Jack Grealish, once England’s £100 million man, stands at a crossroads in his career as speculation mounts about a potential departure from Manchester City in the summer of 2025. The 29-year-old winger, whose infectious personality and flair on the pitch made him a fan favorite, has seen his star dim at the Etihad Stadium, where he has struggled to secure a regular starting role under Pep Guardiola. Despite his pivotal contribution to City’s historic treble in 2022-23, Grealish’s limited game time, high wages, and injury-plagued 2024-25 season have cast doubt on his future with the club. “It’s nothing personal with Jack,” Guardiola insisted after leaving Grealish out of the squad for City’s final Premier League match against Fulham. “I’m the person who fought for him to come here and to stay here this season. I want Jack Grealish.” Yet, the reality of his reduced role suggests a move may be inevitable, though securing the right destination presents significant hurdles.
Grealish’s journey at City began with a record-breaking £100 million transfer from Aston Villa in 2021, a move that promised to elevate his game alongside the world’s best. His second season was a triumph, as he played every minute of City’s Champions League final victory over Inter Milan, earning praise for his “scintillating” performances. “It’s what you work your whole life for,” Grealish said of the treble, which included Premier League and FA Cup titles. However, the 2024-25 season has been a stark contrast, with only seven Premier League starts and a single goal, scored against Leicester City in April 2025. Injuries have been a persistent issue, with Guardiola noting, “The reason Jack didn’t play much was because he was not able. He had niggles and problems.” His omission from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup squad and being left on the bench for key matches, including the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, signaled that his time at City may be nearing its end.
The financial realities of Grealish’s situation pose the biggest obstacle to a summer move. His reported £300,000-per-week contract, which runs until 2027, is a significant barrier for potential suitors. Premier League clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Everton have been linked, but each faces challenges. Tottenham, long admirers since a failed £25 million bid in 2018, are constrained by over £330 million in unpaid transfer fees, making Grealish’s wages a tough fit. Newcastle, while financially robust, must navigate profit and sustainability rules, which could limit their ability to pay a transfer fee estimated at £40-50 million—a steep discount from City’s initial investment. A return to Aston Villa, where Grealish rose to prominence, seems unlikely despite its emotional appeal. “I’m absolutely sure that Unai Emery won’t be going anywhere near Jack Grealish,” said former Villa striker Stan Collymore, citing Grealish’s diminished output and Villa’s 91% wage-to-revenue ratio.
Interest from abroad, including Serie A champions Napoli and clubs like AC Milan and Barcelona, has surfaced, but these moves are complicated by Grealish’s preference for a permanent transfer over a loan and his desire to stay at the highest level, ideally in the Champions League. Napoli’s transitional style could suit his dribbling prowess, but their interest remains tentative. A move to the Saudi Pro League, where his wages could be matched, has been mooted, but at 29, Grealish is seen as too talented to step away from elite competition. “He has to move this summer,” former City goalkeeper Shay Given urged, calling Grealish a “generational talent” who needs regular football to revive his England career ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Grealish’s on-pitch struggles add another layer of complexity. His 6.7% shot conversion rate and just 90 shots in four seasons at City highlight a lack of end product, despite his exceptional passing accuracy in the high 80s and low 90s. “I see a player who has incredible talent that’s been absolutely coached out of him,” former England winger Theo Walcott remarked, suggesting Guardiola’s structured system has stifled Grealish’s natural flair. Yet, his ability to win over 500 one-on-one duels and make 300 ball recoveries showcases his work rate. A fresh start could rekindle the spark that made him a star at Villa, but as Given noted, “The way he is being treated is not on.” With City planning a squad overhaul, including potential signings like Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, Grealish’s departure seems imminent—but finding a club willing to meet his wages and City’s valuation will be no easy feat.
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