In a dramatic turn for Manchester City’s £100 million star, Jack Grealish finds himself at a career crossroads after being excluded from the club’s 27-man squad for the FIFA Club World Cup, set to kick off on June 18, 2025, in the United States. Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind City’s recent successes, has openly suggested that the 29-year-old winger should seek a new club to reignite his passion for football, following a season where Grealish started just seven Premier League matches. This bold move signals a potential end to Grealish’s tenure at the Etihad Stadium, where he arrived from Aston Villa in 2021 as the most expensive English player in history.
The decision to leave Grealish out of the Club World Cup squad, which includes new signings like Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Marcus Bettinelli, stems from candid discussions between the player and the club. Guardiola emphasized the necessity for Grealish to find regular playing time, stating, “He had a conversation with the club and they decided it was best. Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason why he didn’t play last season is of course my decisions.” He further hinted at Grealish’s need to rediscover his spark, saying, “Jack has to play. He needs to find that he can come back to the player of the year of the treble and all his career at Aston Villa.” These remarks underscore a challenging 2024-25 campaign for Grealish, marred by injuries, poor form, and limited opportunities, culminating in just one goal and one assist in the Premier League.
Grealish’s struggles have not gone unnoticed beyond the club. England manager Thomas Tuchel, who omitted the winger from his first two squads, has made it clear that regular game time is essential for a national team recall. Grealish, with 39 England caps, was “absolutely heartbroken” after missing Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, describing it as “the most difficult thing I have had to deal with in my career.” His exclusion from City’s FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace and the final Premier League match against Fulham further highlighted his diminished role. Former City goalkeeper Shay Given remarked, “The writing is on the wall,” suggesting Grealish must explore new opportunities to revive his career.
Despite the setbacks, Guardiola has left the door ajar for a potential return, noting, “If we don’t find [another solution], he’s a player for Man City and he will be back.” However, the club’s openness to loan offers, given the financial constraints of potential suitors due to Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages, points to a likely departure. Interest has emerged from clubs like Everton, who are eyeing an ambitious move as they prepare for their new stadium, and Serie A champions Napoli, who see Grealish as a £45 million target. The prospect of a fresh start, particularly at Everton, reportedly excites Grealish, who is drawn to the promise of a regular starting role and the allure of a new chapter.
As Manchester City gear up for their Club World Cup opener against Morocco’s Wydad AC in Philadelphia, Grealish has been spotted maintaining his fitness in Greece, sharing a defiant social media post captioned, “Late night runs on holiday.” His determination to stay in top shape reflects his resilience amid uncertainty. Meanwhile, City’s squad overhaul, including a new coaching team featuring Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant Pep Lijnders, signals a fresh era. For Grealish, the coming weeks will be pivotal as he navigates a summer transfer window that could redefine his career, with the football world watching to see where the charismatic winger lands next.
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