Jack Grealish, Manchester City’s £100 million talisman, is staring down an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium after being shockingly left out of the club’s FIFA Club World Cup squad. The 29-year-old England star, once a linchpin in City’s 2022-23 treble triumph, now appears to be on the brink of departure as the Premier League giants prepare for the global showdown in the United States, kicking off June 18, 2025, against Morocco’s Wydad AC. This bombshell decision has ignited speculation about Grealish’s next move, with the football world buzzing over where the charismatic midfielder will land next.
### From Hero to Outcast
When Grealish arrived at Manchester City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a record-breaking £100 million, expectations were sky-high. His flair, tireless work ethic, and ability to unlock defenses made him a key figure in City’s golden 2022-23 season, where they clinched the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. Fans adored his swagger, both on and off the pitch, as he celebrated historic wins alongside stars like Kevin De Bruyne. Yet, the 2024-25 season has been a stark contrast. Grealish started just seven Premier League matches, and his absence from the squad for City’s final game against Fulham underscored his diminishing role. In the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, Pep Guardiola turned to 19-year-old Claudio Echeverri for a spark rather than Grealish, a choice that spoke volumes.
Guardiola’s post-match comments after the Fulham game were telling. “It was selection,” he said bluntly, before adding, “Of course, Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn’t happen this season or last season.” These words, laced with frustration, have fueled speculation that Grealish’s days at City are numbered, with his exclusion from the Club World Cup squad serving as a clear signal that the club is ready to move on.
### Transfer Rumors Swirl
With the summer transfer window approaching, Grealish’s omission from the Club World Cup roster is seen as a strategic move to free him up for transfer talks. Clubs across England and Europe are reportedly circling, with Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Napoli emerging as potential destinations. However, Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages present a significant obstacle, making a loan move more feasible than a permanent transfer. “Jack Grealish is set to be left out of Manchester City’s squad for the Club World Cup as he heads closer to the Etihad exit door,” an insider revealed, hinting at the club’s willingness to facilitate a departure.
A return to Aston Villa, where Grealish rose to prominence, holds emotional appeal. Now a Europa League contender under Unai Emery, Villa could offer Grealish the chance to rediscover his form, much like other players who thrived after returning to former clubs. Tottenham, seeking to bolster their attacking options, and Napoli, where Scott McTominay recently found success, are also in the conversation. Barcelona was briefly linked, but interest from the Spanish giants has cooled. Newcastle United, once admirers, are unlikely to pursue due to financial constraints and a stacked attacking roster.
### Eyeing an England Comeback
Grealish’s potential move is about more than club football—it’s a bid to salvage his international career. Omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s recent England squads for games against Andorra and Senegal, Grealish is desperate for regular minutes to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad. “The Briton hopes a return to form could mark him as a contender to feature in England’s 2026 World Cup squad,” a source close to the player shared. With only 17 goals in 157 appearances for City since 2021, his lack of playing time has hindered his progress. A new club offering consistent starts could reignite the spark that made him one of England’s brightest talents.
### Manchester City’s New Direction
City’s decision to exclude Grealish aligns with a broader squad overhaul following a trophyless 2024-25 season. The club is eyeing high-profile signings like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki to refresh the roster, with chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak keen to recoup part of the £100 million invested in Grealish. A loan deal appears the most likely outcome, given his hefty salary. Despite the looming exit, Grealish’s legacy at City remains intact. His contributions to the treble and his larger-than-life personality—evident in post-treble celebrations—have cemented his place in the club’s history.
### A Pivotal Summer Awaits
As Manchester City gears up for the Club World Cup, Grealish’s absence from the month-long tournament allows him to focus on securing his next move. The Premier League rumor mill is in overdrive, with Everton and Villa offering realistic paths to regular football, while Napoli presents an intriguing European option. “I’m the one who said I want Jack Grealish,” Guardiola once proclaimed, but his recent comments suggest a mutual parting is on the horizon. As the transfer window heats up, Grealish’s next step will be crucial. Will he rediscover his magic at a new club, or will the weight of expectations prove too heavy? The football world is watching, eager to see where this talented star lands next.
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