Newcastle United are setting their sights high in the 2025 summer transfer window, aiming to bolster their attacking ranks with a bold move for Manchester City’s Jack Grealish. The Magpies, fresh off securing a Champions League spot for the 2025/26 season, have already made waves by finalizing a £60 million deal for Nottingham Forest’s dynamic winger Anthony Elanga, a transfer that includes £55 million upfront and £5 million in add-ons. Yet, their ambition doesn’t stop there. With manager Eddie Howe at the helm, Newcastle are now accelerating their pursuit of Grealish, a 29-year-old England international whose flair and experience could elevate the team’s aspirations to new heights.
Grealish’s situation at Manchester City has fueled speculation about his future. Since his record-breaking £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021, the attacking midfielder has struggled to cement a regular starting role under Pep Guardiola. Limited to just seven Premier League starts in the 2024/25 season and omitted from City’s FIFA Club World Cup squad, Grealish appears to be at a crossroads. “Jack is an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days,” Guardiola remarked, acknowledging Grealish’s talent while hinting at his need for a fresh start. With two years left on his £300,000-a-week contract, City have set a £40 million asking price, though a loan deal with partial wage coverage remains a more likely option due to his hefty salary.
For Newcastle, Grealish represents a tantalizing opportunity to add a proven Premier League star to their squad. Howe, a long-time admirer, believes Grealish’s creativity and versatility could provide the cutting edge needed to compete in both domestic and European competitions. “Newcastle are still keeping a close eye on Jack Grealish,” a source close to the club revealed, emphasizing that his qualities make him a valuable target despite not being the top priority initially. The Magpies’ attacking options already include stars like Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, alongside the breakout performances of Jacob Murphy last season. However, Grealish’s ability to play as a left winger or number 10 offers tactical flexibility that Howe values highly.
The pursuit of Grealish is not without challenges. His £300,000 weekly wage poses a significant hurdle, potentially doubling the salaries of Newcastle’s top earners like Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak. A loan deal, with Manchester City covering a portion of his wages, is seen as the most feasible path, though it would still require Newcastle to stretch their financial structure. “There’s been a lot of talk about Everton, but I think they’re still very much in the mix,” a recruitment insider noted, highlighting Newcastle’s advantage over rivals like Everton, who are also keen but less equipped to handle Grealish’s wages. Other clubs, including Tottenham, Napoli, and even a potential return to Aston Villa, have been linked, but Newcastle’s Champions League qualification could be a decisive factor. Grealish himself is reportedly “open” to a Premier League move and “excited” by the prospect of regular football, particularly with the 2026 World Cup looming.
The Magpies’ transfer strategy reflects their growing ambition under their Saudi-backed ownership. The signing of Elanga underscores their focus on dynamic, young talent, but Grealish’s experience—highlighted by his role in City’s 2022/23 treble-winning campaign—offers a different dimension. His 39 England caps and ability to unlock defenses could complement Newcastle’s attacking core, though his preference for the left wing overlaps with Gordon and Barnes. Howe’s interest in a right-sided forward, evidenced by earlier pursuits of players like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, suggests Grealish might be deployed centrally or as part of a fluid attacking system.
Grealish’s potential move is also driven by his desire to revive his international career. Left out of England’s recent squads under Thomas Tuchel, he faces pressure to secure regular minutes ahead of the World Cup. “The thought of missing out on a World Cup… is enough for Grealish to consider moving clubs,” an insider close to the player shared. A move to Newcastle, with its passionate fanbase and European stage, could provide the platform he needs to rediscover his form. However, competition from Everton, who offer the allure of their new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, and foreign clubs like Napoli adds complexity to the transfer saga.
As Newcastle navigate their transfer priorities—including a goalkeeper, centre-back, and right-sided forward—the pursuit of Grealish signals their intent to make a statement. A successful deal could see them land a marquee name capable of galvanizing the squad, but it will require careful financial maneuvering. For now, the Toon Army dreams of seeing Grealish’s flair light up St James’ Park, as Howe’s vision for a competitive, exciting Newcastle takes shape.
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