In a move that sent shockwaves through the football world, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola left star winger Jack Grealish out of the club’s 27-man squad for the FIFA Club World Cup, sparking intense speculation about the player’s future at the Etihad Stadium. Grealish, once a cornerstone of City’s historic treble-winning campaign in 2022-23, has seen his role diminish dramatically, starting just seven Premier League games in the 2024-25 season. As fans and pundits alike dissect the decision, Guardiola has stepped forward to clarify the snub, emphasizing that it was a tactical choice, not a reflection of Grealish’s character or talent, while hinting at a potential departure for the 29-year-old England international.
The exclusion from the Club World Cup squad, confirmed as City prepares to face Morocco’s Wydad AC in Philadelphia, marks a low point in Grealish’s tenure at Manchester City. After his £100 million transfer from Aston Villa in 2021—a then-record for a British player—Grealish dazzled during the treble season, bringing flair and leadership to the squad. However, his fortunes have shifted. In 2024-25, he started only once in the second half of the Premier League season and was an unused substitute in City’s 1-0 FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. “The only reason [Grealish] didn’t play minutes was me, not because he was incorrect or whatever,” Guardiola told reporters, dispelling rumors that Grealish’s attitude or behavior prompted the decision. Instead, he pointed to the fierce competition within the squad, with players like Jérémy Doku, Savinho, Phil Foden, and Omar Marmoush commanding more game time, while Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly offer greater versatility.
Guardiola’s comments reveal the depth of City’s attacking options, which have pushed Grealish down the pecking order. “He’s a top player, but the players have to compete with each other, and last season Doku was incredible in many games, and Savinho made the step up for his first season,” Guardiola explained. The manager’s admiration for Grealish remains clear, as he reflected on the winger’s pivotal role in the treble: “I don’t have any doubts about the qualities of Jack. The quality has always been there; the year of the treble would have been impossible [without him].” Yet, he was candid about Grealish’s need for regular football, suggesting a move could reignite the spark that once made him a Premier League standout. “Jack is an exceptional player. He has to play,” Guardiola said, adding, “He needs to do it—with us or another place.”
The Club World Cup snub has fueled speculation about Grealish’s next steps. With two years left on his £300,000-per-week contract, clubs like Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and even a sentimental return to Aston Villa have been linked with the playmaker. European giants Bayern Munich and Napoli, who have successfully integrated English talent in recent seasons, are also reportedly in the mix. However, Grealish’s high wages and City’s £50 million valuation could complicate a permanent transfer, with loan deals emerging as a likely option. “I want the best for Jack, his partner, his kids, his family,” Guardiola said, leaving the door ajar for a potential return if no move materializes. “I don’t know what’s going to happen right now. If we don’t find [another solution], he’s a player for Man City and he will be back.”
Grealish’s struggles extend beyond club football. Omitted from England’s Euro 2024 squad—a decision he called “the most difficult thing I have had to deal with in my career”—he faces an uphill battle to secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup team. Regular playing time is critical, and Guardiola’s suggestion that Grealish needs to rediscover “butterflies in his stomach” underscores the urgency for a fresh start. The winger’s social media response to critics, including a sarcastic retort to claims he’s been “bad lately,” shows his frustration but also his determination to prove doubters wrong.
As Manchester City embarks on its Club World Cup campaign with new signings like Rayan Cherki and Rayan Aït-Nouri, the focus is on redemption after a trophyless 2024-25 season. For Grealish, left behind in Manchester, the tournament’s absence is a chance to negotiate his future. Whether he stays to fight for his place or seeks a new chapter elsewhere, the football world is watching. Will the unpredictable genius who once thrilled at Villa rediscover his magic? Only time will tell, but Guardiola’s faith in Grealish’s quality remains unshaken, even as their paths may diverge.
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