In a move that has sent ripples through the football world, Manchester City have set a firm deadline to offload their £100 million ($139 million) star, Jack Grealish, as part of a broader squad overhaul under manager Pep Guardiola. The 29-year-old winger, once heralded as a cornerstone of City’s future, has seen his role diminish significantly, prompting the club to seek a swift resolution before the start of pre-season. With the transfer window heating up, Grealish’s imminent departure from the Etihad Stadium marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the club, as they navigate a challenging summer following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City began with high expectations in 2021, when the club shattered the British transfer record to sign him from Aston Villa for £100 million. “It’s a dream come true to be part of this club,” Grealish said upon joining, captivated by the chance to work under Guardiola, widely regarded as the world’s best manager. His early years delivered success, including a key role in City’s 2023 Treble—comprising the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. However, the past two seasons have been a struggle, with injuries and inconsistent performances limiting him to just 17 Premier League starts. His exclusion from England’s Euro 2024 squad and City’s FIFA Club World Cup roster in the United States underscored his fall down the pecking order. “Of course, Jack has to play,” Guardiola remarked recently. “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.”
City’s decision to part ways with Grealish aligns with Guardiola’s vision for a leaner squad. “I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer,” Guardiola stated after a victory over Bournemouth, emphasizing his reluctance to maintain a bloated roster. The club has set a deadline to finalize Grealish’s transfer before pre-season, hoping to streamline their squad and fund new signings, such as Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders. Initially valued at £50 million, City are now willing to accept offers around £40 million, a significant loss on their original investment. A loan move remains an option, with City potentially covering a portion of Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages to facilitate a deal, as few clubs can match his salary.
Interest in Grealish spans both the Premier League and Europe. Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton have been linked, with Newcastle seen as a strong contender due to their wage capacity and potential Champions League qualification. A return to Aston Villa, Grealish’s boyhood club, appears unlikely due to their 91% wage-to-revenue ratio and focus on reducing costs. Abroad, Napoli have emerged as a potential destination, seeking a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, while Bayern Munich has also shown interest. “Jack is a very unique player who can handle big pressure on the field,” said England manager Thomas Tuchel, urging Grealish to find a club offering regular minutes to secure his spot for the 2026 World Cup. Grealish, open to both domestic and international moves, is reportedly motivated to revive his career, as evidenced by his off-season training regimen shared on social media: “Late night runs on holiday.”
The saga reflects a broader turning point for Manchester City, who struggled into a Champions League spot last season and suffered a shock exit from the Club World Cup. Alongside Grealish, players like Kyle Walker and John Stones face uncertain futures, signaling a significant squad refresh. Despite his diminished role, Guardiola has praised Grealish’s attitude and popularity within the team. “It’s nothing personal with Jack,” he said. “I’m the person who fought for him to come here and to stay here this season.” As the deadline looms, Grealish’s next move will shape not only his career but also City’s ambitions to reclaim their Premier League dominance. Fans and analysts alike await the outcome of this high-stakes transfer drama.
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