In the hallowed halls of the Etihad Stadium, few symbols carry as much weight as Manchester City’s number 10 shirt. Once donned by club legends like Sergio Agüero and Edin Džeko, this iconic number has become synonymous with creativity, flair, and legacy. Currently worn by Jack Grealish, the shirt’s future is now the subject of fervent speculation as transfer rumors swirl around the England international’s potential departure ahead of the 2025/26 season. With Grealish’s exit looking increasingly likely, the question on every City fan’s lips is: who will inherit the prestigious number 10? The answer could reveal as much about Pep Guardiola’s vision for the club as it does about the player destined to wear it.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City began with a blaze of glory in 2021, when the club smashed the British transfer record with a £100 million move from Aston Villa. Handed the number 10 shirt—previously worn by Agüero, City’s all-time top goalscorer—Grealish was heralded as a transformative signing. “I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City,” he said at the time. “City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it’s a dream come true to be part of this club.” His early days delivered moments of brilliance, including a goal on his Premier League debut against Norwich City and a strike in a thrilling 6-3 Champions League win over RB Leipzig. Grealish played a pivotal role in City’s 2022/23 treble-winning campaign, securing the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. Yet, the past two seasons have been less kind, with injuries and inconsistent form limiting him to just 17 Premier League starts. His exclusion from the Club World Cup squad and Pep Guardiola’s candid admission—“He had a conversation with the club and they decided it was best”—signal that Grealish’s time at City may be nearing its end.
The number 10 shirt, steeped in history, is more than just a number at Manchester City; it’s a statement of intent. Agüero, who wore it after switching from number 16, immortalized it with his record-breaking 260 goals, including the dramatic 2012 title-winning strike against Queens Park Rangers. Džeko, a fan favorite, carried it during City’s early Premier League triumphs under Roberto Mancini. When Agüero departed in 2021, the shirt was offered to Phil Foden, the club’s homegrown star. Foden, however, declined, opting to honor his late grandfather Ronnie with his number 47. “I did think about it. The ten shirt is such a big number in the club,” Foden revealed in 2022. “But I just have a thing with 47.” His decision, marked by a tattoo of 47 behind his ear, left the door open for Grealish to claim the number, but now the search for a new heir begins.
Several names have emerged as potential successors. Rayan Cherki, the dynamic French forward who joined from Olympique Lyonnais this summer, is a leading contender. At just 22, Cherki brings flair and vision, qualities that align with Guardiola’s quest for a long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne. Recent reports suggest Cherki could be awarded the number 10, with some even claiming a deal has been struck to transition the shirt from Grealish. Another option is Oscar Bobb, the 22-year-old Norwegian academy product who currently wears number 52. Bobb’s creativity and technical prowess have made him a fan favorite, and handing him the number 10 would signal City’s faith in their youth setup. However, some argue it may be premature for Bobb, who is still recovering from a leg fracture that sidelined him earlier this season.
City’s transfer ambitions also point to external targets. The club has long admired Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, both of whom could command the number 10 as a marquee signing. Musiala, a versatile playmaker, and Rodrygo, a dynamic forward, would fit Guardiola’s attacking philosophy, and the shirt could serve as a glittering welcome gift, much like it was for Grealish. “The number 10 shirt doesn’t have to be filled—but when it is, it says something,” one observer noted, highlighting its role in signaling status and ambition. City’s interest in such high-profile names suggests they may hold the number vacant for a blockbuster arrival next summer.
The decision also hinges on Guardiola’s broader strategy. With Grealish’s £300,000-a-week wages and a reported £40 million valuation, a permanent transfer seems challenging, with clubs like Tottenham, Newcastle, and Napoli linked. A loan move, potentially with City subsidizing wages, appears more likely, though Grealish prefers a permanent exit. His potential destinations include a romantic but financially tricky return to Aston Villa, where his high wages clash with their 91% wage-to-revenue ratio. Napoli, buoyed by their interest in De Bruyne, could offer Grealish a fresh start in Serie A, where the slower pace might suit his style.
As City prepare for their pre-season friendly against Palermo on August 9, 2025, the club’s hierarchy is poised to finalize squad numbers, offering clues about Guardiola’s plans. The number 10’s next wearer will inherit not just a shirt but a legacy, one that demands creativity, leadership, and a flair for the spectacular. Whether it’s Cherki’s audacious flair, Bobb’s homegrown promise, or a future star like Musiala, the choice will shape City’s narrative for the 2025/26 season and beyond.
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