Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City hangs in the balance as the 29-year-old winger faces a pivotal moment in his career. Once the cornerstone of City’s record-breaking £100 million transfer from Aston Villa in 2021, Grealish has struggled to secure a regular starting spot under Pep Guardiola, prompting speculation about a move away from the Etihad Stadium. Everton have emerged as a surprise contender to sign the England international, but Manchester City have set a steep price for a potential loan deal, reportedly demanding £12 million to cover a significant portion of Grealish’s £300,000-a-week wages for the 2025/26 season. The Toffees, buoyed by new ownership and their move to the state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium, see Grealish as a marquee addition to bolster their attack, but the financial hurdles and Grealish’s own deliberations could complicate negotiations.
The saga took a fresh twist after a chance encounter between Grealish and Guardiola at an Oasis reunion concert at Heaton Park in Manchester earlier this summer. The pair reportedly shared a “brief but warm” conversation in the VIP area, leaving Grealish to ponder whether his future might still lie with City. “I love City more than anything,” Grealish told fans at the event, his voice brimming with emotion. “And do you know what I love more than anything? City fans! They’re the best fans in the world!” The heartfelt exchange, fueled by a few drinks, hinted at his deep connection to the club, but it also underscored the uncertainty surrounding his role. Despite his affection, Grealish’s limited game time—starting just seven Premier League matches in the 2024/25 season and being omitted from City’s Club World Cup squad—has pushed him toward the exit door.
Guardiola has been candid about Grealish’s situation, emphasizing the need for the winger to play regularly. “Of course Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days,” Guardiola said in a press conference. “It didn’t happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it. With us or another place.” The City manager, who once championed Grealish’s £100 million signing, admitted that his own tactical decisions were the sole reason for the winger’s reduced minutes. “The only reason why he didn’t play last season is, of course, my decisions,” he added, absolving Grealish of any off-field blame. The arrival of new signings like Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush, coupled with Jeremy Doku’s rise, has further diminished Grealish’s prospects, with City favoring a squad overhaul after a trophyless 2024/25 campaign.
Everton’s interest, spearheaded by manager David Moyes, offers Grealish a chance to rediscover the free-spirited flair that made him a star at Aston Villa, where he notched 16 goals and assists in the 2020/21 season alone. Moyes, who once called Grealish “probably the best player in the Premier League” in 2021, is eager to build his team around the winger, offering him the creative freedom he’s lacked under Guardiola’s rigid system. The move to Everton’s new stadium and the promise of a regular starting role are particularly appealing, especially as Grealish aims to secure a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad under Thomas Tuchel. “The glamour of the club’s new stadium and the possibility of a regular starting role is attractive to the former Aston Villa star, who does not just want to be a squad player,” a source close to the player noted.
However, the financial demands pose a significant obstacle. City’s £12 million loan fee, combined with the expectation that Everton cover most of Grealish’s wages, has forced the Toffees to weigh their options. Alternatives like Lyon’s Malick Fofana and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo are also on Everton’s radar, potentially offering better value for a permanent deal. Meanwhile, clubs like Napoli, West Ham, and Bayer Leverkusen have expressed interest, with Napoli’s slower-paced Serie A style and the presence of former City star Kevin De Bruyne making it a tempting option. Grealish’s contract, which runs until June 2027, gives City leverage, but their willingness to accept a £40-50 million permanent transfer— a £50-60 million loss on their initial investment—signals their readiness to move on.
As the transfer window nears its August 2025 close, Grealish faces a crossroads. His pivotal role in City’s 2022/23 treble-winning season, including a standout assist in the Champions League final, contrasts sharply with his recent benchwarming. Former City defender Richard Dunne suggested Guardiola no longer “trusts” Grealish, citing his lack of consistency. Yet, teammates like De Bruyne have defended him, calling him an “easy target” for critics. For Grealish, a move to Everton could offer the fresh start he needs, but the Oasis gig chat with Guardiola might just inspire him to fight for his City legacy.
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