Former Manchester United and Aston Villa scout Mick Brown has suggested that Manchester City may be considering bringing in a new top-class winger, which could impact Jack Grealish’s future at the club. Speaking to *Football Insider*, Brown shared his insights into the situation and raised questions about how Grealish fits into Pep Guardiola’s squad, particularly with the emergence of other attacking talents like Jeremy Doku and the highly-rated young Brazilian, Savinho.
Brown’s observations come amid a season that has seen Grealish experience a mix of highs and lows in terms of playing time. “I’m not sure about Jack Grealish,” Brown remarked. “He has been in and out of the team again this season and he is not playing regularly. They are happy with what Doku and Savinho bring.” The former scout suggested that City may be evaluating their options and could potentially make a move for a new winger to strengthen their squad depth. Such a move would likely take place during the next summer transfer window, giving Guardiola additional flexibility in attack.
The rise of Jeremy Doku, who has impressed with his pace, directness, and ability to unlock defenses, poses a direct challenge to Grealish’s role. Savinho, another promising talent, adds further depth to City’s attacking lineup, creating a competitive environment that may leave Grealish struggling for consistent starts. Brown pointed out that should City proceed with acquiring a high-profile winger, it could have significant ramifications for Grealish’s future. “If they sign a new option, they might look to move him to make room. They might want to get some money back for him,” Brown explained.
Jack Grealish, who signed with Manchester City from Aston Villa for a British record transfer fee in 2021, has faced scrutiny over whether he has fully justified his hefty price tag. While he has delivered standout moments and important performances, particularly during City’s treble-winning campaign last season, consistency has sometimes eluded him. Grealish’s high salary and potential market value also factor into the equation for City as they evaluate their squad strategy and future investments.
Brown speculated that City might see an opportunity to recoup a significant portion of their investment by selling Grealish if they opt to refresh their attacking ranks. This would not only provide financial flexibility but could also alleviate some of the club’s wage budget. “He has a high salary as well, so that would free up some of the budget,” Brown noted. “I’m sure it’s something he’d be open to as well because he wants to play football.”
The former Villa scout touched on Grealish’s desire for regular playing time, highlighting his character and passion for the game. “I know Jack from his time at Villa, and he’s always wanted to play regularly,” Brown added. The winger’s love for the game and hunger to be a pivotal player could potentially influence any decision to move on from City if his role becomes more limited.
The idea of Grealish seeking a move away to find more consistent minutes is not without merit, given the competitive nature of Guardiola’s squad and the intense battle for starting spots. If a marquee signing does come in to bolster City’s attack, Grealish could find himself even further down the pecking order, a scenario that might not align with his ambitions. This would put both player and club in a position where a mutually beneficial transfer might be considered.
However, it is important to remember that Grealish remains a talented player capable of changing games. Guardiola has often praised his work ethic, tactical awareness, and ability to perform on the biggest stages, including his contributions during City’s historic 2022-2023 campaign. Grealish’s versatility, experience, and flair still make him a valuable asset for City, even if his role evolves over time.
As Manchester City navigate their quest for domestic and European dominance, their approach to squad management will be crucial. Balancing the integration of young talents like Doku and Savinho with the contributions of established stars such as Grealish is a complex task. Any decisions regarding squad changes will likely be made with an eye on maintaining City’s competitive edge, both in England and abroad.
While speculation about Grealish’s future continues, the upcoming transfer windows could shed more light on Manchester City’s plans. For now, fans will be watching closely to see how Grealish responds to the challenges posed by his teammates and whether he can reestablish himself as a key player in Guardiola’s squad. Whether he stays or moves on, one thing is certain—Jack Grealish’s journey in the footballing spotlight is far from over, and his next chapter will be one to watch.