As the summer transfer window heats up, Jack Grealish, Manchester City’s £100 million star, finds himself at a career crossroads. The 29-year-old England international, known for his flair and fearless ball-carrying, has been the subject of intense speculation about his future at the Etihad Stadium. After a challenging 2024-25 season where he started just seven of his 20 Premier League appearances, Grealish’s reduced role under Pep Guardiola has sparked rumors of a potential move. Among those eyeing the midfielder is Charlotte FC’s head coach Dean Smith, Grealish’s former mentor at Aston Villa, who has been vocal about luring him to Major League Soccer (MLS). However, Grealish’s response to Smith’s overtures speaks volumes about his determination to reclaim his place in the Premier League.
Smith, who took the helm at Charlotte FC in December 2024, has been relentless in his pursuit of Grealish. The pair share a deep bond, forged during Smith’s three-year tenure at Aston Villa, where he transformed Grealish from a promising talent into a £100 million record-breaking transfer to Manchester City in 2021. Their relationship is so close that Grealish once called Smith his “second dad,” and upon Smith’s departure from Villa in 2021, he posted on social media, “No1 will ever compare…the real goat.” Despite this, Smith revealed his ongoing efforts to bring Grealish to the MLS, saying, “I’ve been on to Jack Grealish every week since I’ve been here about coming over, but he’s unfinished business there.” Grealish, however, has made it clear he’s not ready to leave the Premier League, prioritizing his ambitions in England over a move to the United States.
Grealish’s career at Manchester City has been a tale of highs and lows. Since joining in 2021, he’s won four Premier League titles, a Champions League, and other major honors, including a standout performance in City’s 2023 Champions League triumph over Real Madrid, where Smith noted, “He was the one demanding the ball.” Yet, his playing time has dwindled, with just one goal and one assist in the 2024-25 season, a stark contrast to his treble-winning campaign in 2022-23. With Manchester City reportedly open to offers around £60 million—nearly half their initial investment—clubs like Everton, West Ham, and Napoli have emerged as suitors. Everton, in particular, offers an appealing option, allowing Grealish, his partner Sasha Attwood, and their young daughter to remain in Cheshire, close to home. “The bigger, the better for Jack and that’s what England need – players that can handle the football,” Smith said, emphasizing Grealish’s unique ability to thrive under pressure, a trait that could make him a game-changer for a club like Everton as they prepare for their new Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2025.
Smith’s vision for Charlotte FC includes adding marquee players, with the club still having a Designated Player spot alongside stars like Wilfried Zaha and Liel Abada. A move to Charlotte would reunite Grealish with Smith, who guided Villa to Premier League promotion in 2019, and former Villa teammate Ashley Westwood, who jokingly said, “Jack Grealish still texts me to ask how the gaffer is doing, hopefully we can get him here!” However, Grealish’s focus remains on the Premier League, where he believes he has “unfinished business.” His determination aligns with his ambition to secure a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, set to be hosted in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. A move to Everton or another Premier League side could provide the regular minutes needed to impress England manager Thomas Tuchel, who values Grealish’s ability to “take the ball in any situation.”
Grealish’s journey reflects his deep ties to the Premier League. A boyhood Aston Villa fan, he played 90 times under Smith, scoring 23 goals and providing 27 assists while wearing the captain’s armband. His £100 million transfer to City was a milestone, but recent struggles have tested his resilience. Despite interest from abroad, including Napoli under Antonio Conte, Grealish’s heart remains in England, where he aims to recapture the form that made him a national star. Smith’s pragmatic approach at Charlotte, where he’s already secured a 1-0 win over New York City FC in front of 62,000 fans, highlights his ability to elevate teams, but Grealish’s rejection of the MLS move underscores his commitment to proving himself at the highest level. As the transfer window unfolds, Grealish’s next move will be pivotal, not just for his career but for his legacy in English football.
Leave a Reply