As the summer transfer window of 2025 heats up, Manchester City’s efforts to offload their record signing, Jack Grealish, have hit a snag, even with interest from West Ham United and other clubs. The 29-year-old England international, who joined City from Aston Villa for a British-record £100 million in 2021, faces an uncertain future after a lackluster 2024/25 season. With just seven Premier League starts and a mere three goals and one assist in 20 appearances, Grealish’s omission from Pep Guardiola’s 28-man squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States signaled a clear shift. “He had a conversation with the club and they decided it was best,” Guardiola said, acknowledging Grealish’s exceptional talent but admitting, “The only reason why he didn’t play last season is of course my decisions.” Despite West Ham’s recent inquiry, City’s hopes of securing a permanent transfer for the winger are fading, with financial constraints and Grealish’s preferences complicating the process.
Grealish’s journey at City has been a tale of highs and lows. His pivotal role in the 2022/23 Treble-winning season, including a Premier League title, Champions League, and FA Cup, showcased his flair and charisma. “Jack is an exceptional player,” Guardiola reiterated, emphasizing his contributions to that historic campaign. However, injuries and competition from emerging stars like Jeremy Doku, Savinho, and Phil Foden have sidelined Grealish, limiting him to just 1,521 minutes last season. His exclusion from England’s Euro 2024 squad and the Club World Cup underscored his diminished role. “He has to come back to play and have the butterflies in his stomach,” Guardiola added, urging Grealish to rediscover the joy he displayed at Aston Villa, where he was lauded as “the most talented player I’ve ever seen” by former teammate Emiliano Martínez.
West Ham’s interest, sparked after Tottenham signed Mohammed Kudus for £54.5 million, positions them as a potential destination. The Hammers see Grealish as a high-profile replacement, but their pursuit is hampered by his £300,000-per-week wages, a figure that has deterred other suitors like Everton and Napoli. “I doubt it, he is not the player he was two to three years ago,” a senior West Ham source reportedly told insider Sean Whetstone, reflecting skepticism from co-owner David Sullivan despite manager Graham Potter’s interest. Everton, eyeing a statement signing under new ownership, and Newcastle, with Champions League football to offer, remain in the race, but both prefer a loan deal, aligning with City’s openness to a temporary move if a £40-50 million permanent transfer doesn’t materialize. “Jack Grealish is available, but what is changing is the player’s stance—he is realizing that he needs to leave,” transfer insider Graeme Bailey noted, highlighting Grealish’s growing acceptance of a move.
The prospect of a return to Aston Villa, Grealish’s boyhood club, has been floated, but financial realities make it unlikely. Villa’s 91% wage-to-revenue ratio in 2024 and focus on reducing their wage bill under Unai Emery render a reunion improbable, despite Grealish’s affection for the club. “I think it’s best for both parties for him to leave,” Paul Scholes said on TNT Sports, suggesting a Villa return to “re-energize his career.” Abroad, Napoli’s interest, bolstered by Kevin De Bruyne’s recent move and a £45 million budget, offers a tantalizing option, with De Bruyne reportedly urging the Serie A champions to pursue Grealish. However, Napoli’s preference for younger players like Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Grealish’s hefty salary pose challenges. A move to Saudi Arabia, where Ivan Toney revitalized his England career, remains a distant possibility, but Grealish’s desire to stay in the Premier League and secure a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad under Thomas Tuchel drives his focus. “He loves City more than anything,” Grealish told fans at an Oasis concert, yet his need for regular minutes is paramount.
City’s strategy reflects a pragmatic approach. With two years left on Grealish’s contract, they’ve set a £40-50 million price tag, a significant loss on their initial investment. A loan could preserve his market value while allowing a reassessment in 2026, especially with City’s attacking depth strengthened by Rayan Cherki’s arrival. “A loan would mark a significant but potentially temporary turning point,” one analyst observed, noting West Ham’s appeal as a London-based club offering a prominent role. Tottenham, despite cooling their interest, and Newcastle remain viable, with Grealish’s close friend James Maddison potentially swaying a Spurs move via their “Avengers” WhatsApp group. “Me or Madders, we’re on the group chat 24/7,” Grealish once joked, hinting at their bond.
As the transfer window nears its September 1 deadline, Grealish’s future hangs in the balance. His determination to “play every three days,” as Guardiola put it, fuels his push for a fresh start. Whether at West Ham, Everton, or an unexpected destination like Napoli, Grealish’s next move will test his resilience and talent, qualities that once drew comparisons to Paul Gascoigne. “I’d love to be like Gazza,” Grealish said, aspiring to play with joy. For now, he trains alone at City, awaiting a resolution that could redefine his career.
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