In the swirling winds of the 2025 summer transfer window, Manchester City’s £100 million star Jack Grealish finds himself at a career crossroads, with Newcastle United emerging as a potential destination to revive his faltering form. The 29-year-old England international, once the electrifying heart of Aston Villa, has struggled to cement a regular spot in Pep Guardiola’s squad, sparking talk of a move away from the Etihad Stadium. Despite his undeniable talent, Grealish’s limited game time and a towering wage bill present a “major hurdle” for any transfer, even as Newcastle weigh a blockbuster swoop to bolster their attack. As City plot a squad overhaul after a disappointing season, Grealish’s future hangs in the balance, with his next move poised to reshape his career and England ambitions.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City, which began with a British record £100 million transfer from Villa in 2021, has been a rollercoaster. His pivotal role in the 2022-23 treble-winning campaign showcased his flair, with five goals and 11 assists across 50 appearances. However, the 2024-25 season has been a stark contrast, with only seven Premier League starts and a modest haul of three goals and five assists across all competitions. Injuries, including a knock sustained in a Champions League loss to Real Madrid, and competition from Jeremy Doku and Savinho have relegated him down Guardiola’s pecking order. “He has to compete with himself,” Guardiola said, urging Grealish to rediscover his spark. “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack, and that’s why I played Savinho.” The manager’s blunt assessment, coupled with Grealish’s omission from City’s final-day squad and a symbolic snub in the FA Cup final—where 19-year-old Claudio Echeverri was chosen over him—underscored his diminished status. “It’s nothing personal,” Guardiola insisted, but his actions suggest otherwise, with reports indicating Grealish has told friends he feels “frozen out” and expects to leave.
Newcastle United, chasing Champions League qualification, see an opportunity to harness Grealish’s experience and creativity. “Newcastle have been considering a move for Grealish,” a source close to the club revealed, noting that manager Eddie Howe believes he can restore the winger’s confidence. Howe’s attacking system, which thrives on dynamic wingers like Anthony Gordon, could suit Grealish, who excels on the left or as a No. 10. However, his £300,000-per-week wages—nearly double Newcastle’s top earner Bruno Guimaraes’ £160,000—pose a significant financial challenge. “The only problem there is his wages, and whether he’d take a cut to move to Newcastle,” the source added. A loan move, with City covering part of his salary, is seen as more feasible than a permanent transfer, especially given Newcastle’s tight £150 million budget and need for a right-sided attacker, goalkeeper, and center-back. Grealish’s openness to Tyneside, fueled by his desire to secure a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad under Thomas Tuchel, adds intrigue. “I want to start playing more often and have that rhythm,” Grealish said, reflecting on a difficult year marked by his daughter’s birth and personal challenges.
The transfer talk isn’t limited to Newcastle. Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and even Manchester United have been linked, with Villa’s emotional pull tempered by their focus on younger talents under Unai Emery. “Returning to Aston Villa is a no-go,” one insider noted, despite Grealish’s hero status at Villa Park. Abroad, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan have shown interest, with Diego Simeone admiring Grealish’s ability to “frustrate opposition players,” though a past clash with Atleti’s Stefan Savic could complicate matters. Newcastle’s pursuit faces further hurdles due to Grealish’s 2022 comments mocking their winger Miguel Almiron, which sparked fan backlash. “Any move for the forward would likely split opinion amongst the Newcastle fan base,” a report cautioned, highlighting the delicate balance Howe must strike.
City’s broader squad dynamics add context to Grealish’s predicament. With Kevin De Bruyne’s contract nearing its end and interest from Saudi clubs, plus potential exits for Kyle Walker and Matheus Nunes, Guardiola is eyeing a rebuild. A move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as De Bruyne’s heir signals City’s shift toward youth. For Grealish, a fresh start could be crucial. Alan Shearer, Newcastle’s legend, called his England omission a “wake-up call,” urging him to decide whether to “get my head down and win my place back or go elsewhere.” As the Club World Cup looms, Grealish’s limited involvement may solidify his exit. Whether at Newcastle or beyond, his next chapter promises to be a defining one, blending ambition, redemption, and the weight of a £100 million legacy.
# Jack Grealish’s Manchester City Struggles Fuel Newcastle United Transfer Speculation
## Fading Role at City
Jack Grealish, signed for £100 million in 2021, started just seven Premier League games in 2024-25, with three goals and five assists. Pep Guardiola, favoring Jeremy Doku and Savinho, said, “He has to compete with himself. Savinho is in better shape.” Grealish’s FA Cup final snub for a 19-year-old debutant and omission from the final-day squad signal his likely exit. “It’s nothing personal,” Guardiola insisted.
## Newcastle’s Interest
Newcastle United, eyeing Champions League football, see Grealish as a fit for Eddie Howe’s system. “Newcastle have been considering a move for Grealish,” a source said, though his £300,000-per-week wages are a “major hurdle.” A loan is more likely, with Grealish open to Tyneside to revive his England career. “I want to start playing more often,” he said.
## Other Suitors
Tottenham, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, and AC Milan are linked, with Villa’s return deemed a “no-go.” Atletico’s Diego Simeone “greatly respects” Grealish’s disruptive style, but past tensions with Stefan Savic complicate matters. Newcastle fans remain divided due to Grealish’s 2022 Miguel Almiron comments.
## City’s Rebuild
With Kevin De Bruyne’s contract expiring and interest in Florian Wirtz, City face a squad overhaul. Alan Shearer called Grealish’s England omission a “wake-up call,” urging him to decide his future. A loan to Newcastle could offer regular football, but financial constraints and squad fit remain key challenges.
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