Jack Grealish, once heralded as the £100 million cornerstone of Manchester City’s attack, stands at a career crossroads as the club contemplates his departure from the Etihad Stadium this summer. The 29-year-old England international, signed from Aston Villa in 2021 for a British record fee, has struggled to secure a regular starting role under Pep Guardiola, prompting speculation about a move elsewhere. However, a significant obstacle looms large: Grealish’s hefty £300,000-per-week salary, which poses a formidable challenge for potential suitors. As Manchester City aim to reshape their squad following a trophyless 2024-25 season, the financial complexities of offloading their high-profile winger could complicate their plans.
Grealish’s journey at City has been a tale of unfulfilled promise. Lauded by former director of football Txiki Begiristain as “one of the most exciting attacking players in world football” upon his arrival, Grealish dazzled during City’s 2022-23 treble-winning campaign, showcasing his flair and tenacity. His ability to carry the ball forward, evidenced by leading the Premier League in progressive carries during his final season at Villa, made him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s system—or so it seemed. “Pep loves the way he plays, and we all feel he is an ideal fit for Manchester City,” Begiristain said at the time. Yet, since that high-water mark, Grealish’s role has diminished. This season, he managed just seven Premier League starts, with only one in 2025, and was notably left out of the squad for City’s final-day 2-0 win over Fulham and the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. “It was criminal he didn’t get on the pitch,” former City goalkeeper Shay Given remarked, suggesting “the writing is on the wall” for Grealish’s future at the club.
Guardiola’s frustration with Grealish’s output has been palpable. The manager, who once praised the winger as “exceptional,” has publicly urged him to rediscover the form that defined his treble-winning season. “Do I want the Jack that won the treble? Yeah, I want it, but I try to be honest with myself for that,” Guardiola said after a 4-1 win over West Ham in January 2025. Injuries, including an abductor issue and an undisclosed October setback, have hampered Grealish’s consistency, while younger wingers like Savinho and Jeremy Doku have surged ahead in the pecking order. Savinho’s 91.7% pass accuracy and 10 assists in 28 Premier League games this season have highlighted the gap, with Guardiola noting, “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack.” The emergence of these dynamic alternatives has left Grealish, who has scored just four league goals since the 2023-24 season, struggling to justify his place.
The financial hurdle of Grealish’s wages is the primary barrier to a transfer. Earning more than all but Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva at City, his £300,000 weekly pay dwarfs the wage structures of most potential suitors, including Tottenham Hotspur, who have been linked but cap salaries at around £200,000 per week. AC Milan has expressed interest in a £40 million permanent deal or a loan, a figure that would see City absorb a £60 million loss on their initial investment. However, even Milan’s interest hinges on Grealish accepting a significant pay cut, a prospect complicated by reports that he is “more than settled and happy” in Manchester. A return to Aston Villa, his boyhood club, has also been mooted, but their wage structure and City’s reluctance to strengthen a Premier League rival add further complexity.
Guardiola’s vision for a squad rebuild, necessitated by City’s sixth-place finish and the looming departure of De Bruyne, underscores the urgency of resolving Grealish’s future. “We didn’t talk with him,” Guardiola said of transfer discussions, deferring to outgoing director Begiristain and incoming Hugo Viana. “These things belong to the agents and the club.” Former England striker Alan Shearer has been blunt, stating Grealish “has to leave” to revive his career, particularly after missing Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad. Tuchel himself noted Grealish’s frustration, quoting him as saying, “I’m not a start-stop player—it’s so hard for me to influence a match from the bench.” A move could restore his England prospects, with Given suggesting Grealish’s talent makes him “the perfect replacement” for De Bruyne in a central role, though Guardiola’s tactics have often confined him to a disciplined wing position.
As City face the prospect of missing Champions League qualification, the need to trim high earners like Grealish is pressing. A loan move is considered more likely than a permanent transfer, but City’s preference to avoid bolstering top-five Premier League rivals limits options. Despite his struggles, Grealish’s 39 England caps and trophy-laden stint at City ensure interest from across Europe. The question remains whether he can rediscover the swashbuckling form that once made him a fan favorite—or if his £100 million price tag will forever cast a shadow over his potential.
# Jack Grealish’s Manchester City Exit Faces Major Hurdle as Pep Guardiola Eyes Squad Overhaul
Jack Grealish, once heralded as the £100 million cornerstone of Manchester City’s attack, stands at a career crossroads as the club contemplates his departure from the Etihad Stadium this summer. The 29-year-old England international, signed from Aston Villa in 2021 for a British record fee, has struggled to secure a regular starting role under Pep Guardiola, prompting speculation about a move elsewhere. However, a significant obstacle looms large: Grealish’s hefty £300,000-per-week salary, which poses a formidable challenge for potential suitors. As Manchester City aim to reshape their squad following a trophyless 2024-25 season, the financial complexities of offloading their high-profile winger could complicate their plans.
Grealish’s journey at City has been a tale of unfulfilled promise. Lauded by former director of football Txiki Begiristain as “one of the most exciting attacking players in world football” upon his arrival, Grealish dazzled during City’s 2022-23 treble-winning campaign, showcasing his flair and tenacity. His ability to carry the ball forward, evidenced by leading the Premier League in progressive carries during his final season at Villa, made him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s system—or so it seemed. “Pep loves the way he plays, and we all feel he is an ideal fit for Manchester City,” Begiristain said at the time. Yet, since that high-water mark, Grealish’s role has diminished. This season, he managed just seven Premier League starts, with only one in 2025, and was notably left out of the squad for City’s final-day 2-0 win over Fulham and the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. “It was criminal he didn’t get on the pitch,” former City goalkeeper Shay Given remarked, suggesting “the writing is on the wall” for Grealish’s future at the club.
Guardiola’s frustration with Grealish’s output has been palpable. The manager, who once praised the winger as “exceptional,” has publicly urged him to rediscover the form that defined his treble-winning season. “Do I want the Jack that won the treble? Yeah, I want it, but I try to be honest with myself for that,” Guardiola said after a 4-1 win over West Ham in January 2025. Injuries, including an abductor issue and an undisclosed October setback, have hampered Grealish’s consistency, while younger wingers like Savinho and Jeremy Doku have surged ahead in the pecking order. Savinho’s 91.7% pass accuracy and 10 assists in 28 Premier League games this season have highlighted the gap, with Guardiola noting, “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack.” The emergence of these dynamic alternatives has left Grealish, who has scored just four league goals since the 2023-24 season, struggling to justify his place.
The financial hurdle of Grealish’s wages is the primary barrier to a transfer. Earning more than all but Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva at City, his £300,000 weekly pay dwarfs the wage structures of most potential suitors, including Tottenham Hotspur, who have been linked but cap salaries at around £200,000 per week. AC Milan has expressed interest in a £40 million permanent deal or a loan, a figure that would see City absorb a £60 million loss on their initial investment. However, even Milan’s interest hinges on Grealish accepting a significant pay cut, a prospect complicated by reports that he is “more than settled and happy” in Manchester. A return to Aston Villa, his boyhood club, has also been mooted, but their wage structure and City’s reluctance to strengthen a Premier League rival add further complexity.
Guardiola’s vision for a squad rebuild, necessitated by City’s sixth-place finish and the looming departure of De Bruyne, underscores the urgency of resolving Grealish’s future. “We didn’t talk with him,” Guardiola said of transfer discussions, deferring to outgoing director Begiristain and incoming Hugo Viana. “These things belong to the agents and the club.” Former England striker Alan Shearer has been blunt, stating Grealish “has to leave” to revive his career, particularly after missing Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad. Tuchel himself noted Grealish’s frustration, quoting him as saying, “I’m not a start-stop player—it’s so hard for me to influence a match from the bench.” A move could restore his England prospects, with Given suggesting Grealish’s talent makes him “the perfect replacement” for De Bruyne in a central role, though Guardiola’s tactics have often confined him to a disciplined wing position.
As City face the prospect of missing Champions League qualification, the need to trim high earners like Grealish is pressing. A loan move is considered more likely than a permanent transfer, but City’s preference to avoid bolstering top-five Premier League rivals limits options. Despite his struggles, Grealish’s 39 England caps and trophy-laden stint at City ensure interest from across Europe. The question remains whether he can rediscover the swashbuckling form that once made him a fan favorite—or if his £100 million price tag will forever cast a shadow over his potential.
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