As Manchester City bask in the glow of their 2-0 Club World Cup victory over Wydad AC on June 18, 2025, the future of two key players—Jack Grealish and Ederson—hangs in the balance, casting a shadow over the Etihad Stadium. Despite the triumph, marked by Phil Foden’s stunning second-minute strike and Jeremy Doku’s first-half goal, speculation about departures swirls. Ederson, the club’s stalwart goalkeeper, posted a succinct yet upbeat message on Instagram—“First step”—prompting a wave of support from teammates, including a subtle like from Grealish, who was notably absent from the Club World Cup squad. This quiet gesture, amid mounting talk of Grealish’s own exit, underscores the camaraderie within a squad facing a transformative summer.
Grealish, the 29-year-old winger who joined City for a record-breaking £100 million in 2021, has endured a challenging 2024/25 season, starting just seven Premier League matches and logging a mere 715 minutes. His omission from the Club World Cup roster, confirmed by Pep Guardiola, has fueled speculation that his time at the Etihad is nearing its end. “Of course, Jack has to play,” Guardiola said after City’s final Premier League win over Fulham, a 2-0 result that secured Champions League qualification. “He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn’t happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it—with us or another place.” The manager’s words, coupled with Grealish’s exclusion from the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, where 19-year-old debutant Claudio Echeverri was preferred, signal a shift in City’s plans.
Ederson’s future is equally uncertain. The 31-year-old Brazilian, who started against Wydad AC, has one year left on his contract, and no extension talks have surfaced. Reports suggest he’s open to a move to the Saudi Pro League, with City potentially willing to accept £25 million for their long-time No. 1. Despite the speculation, Ederson’s focus remained on the pitch, earning praise for his composure. “Ederson appeared unfazed, sharing a positive message to supporters,” noted a teammate, reflecting his commitment to City’s ongoing campaign. His Instagram post drew likes from Nathan Ake, Savinho, and Grealish, a testament to the squad’s unity even as exits loom.
Grealish’s limited role this season, marred by injuries and inconsistent form, has seen him overtaken by wingers like Doku and Savinho. His single Premier League goal and lack of starts since early 2025 prompted former City goalkeeper Shay Given to declare, “The writing is on the wall for Grealish.” Alan Shearer echoed this sentiment, stating, “His time is up at Man City. He has to leave.” Grealish’s absence from England’s Euro 2024 squad and Thomas Tuchel’s recent squad further underscores the urgency for regular football to revive his international career. “Jack needs minutes and minutes,” Tuchel said, emphasizing the winger’s need to rediscover his flair.
Transfer rumors link Grealish to Everton, Tottenham, Newcastle, and Napoli, with the former reportedly his preferred destination. “Grealish favors a move to Everton,” a source close to the player revealed, citing the prospect of consistent play under David Moyes at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. A return to Aston Villa, his boyhood club, seems unlikely due to their 91% wage-to-revenue ratio and Unai Emery’s tactical preferences. Napoli’s £45 million bid aims to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Grealish’s £300,000-a-week wages pose a hurdle. A loan move, potentially with City subsidizing his salary, remains an option, though Grealish seeks a permanent transfer to “feel the butterflies again,” as Guardiola put it.
While Grealish trains alone on holiday, posting “Late night runs on holiday” on Instagram, his like on Ederson’s post reflects a bond forged during City’s 2023 Treble, where Grealish played every minute of the Champions League final. Social media buzzed with fan reactions, one noting, “Grealish’s support for Ederson shows he’s still a City man at heart.” As City prepare for their Club World Cup semi-final, new signings like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki signal a squad overhaul. With Kevin De Bruyne’s departure confirmed and Ederson’s future in doubt, Grealish’s next move will shape his legacy, as he aims to rediscover the spark that once lit up Villa Park.
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