Manchester City have effectively closed the door on Jack Grealish’s time at the Etihad, with the winger officially omitted from Pep Guardiola’s 27-man squad for the Club World Cup in the United States.
Jack Grealish’s Manchester City Career Comes to an End as Transfer Race Intensifies
This exclusion confirms what insiders and commentators have long suspected: Grealish’s next move is away from City.
Once the club’s record signing at £100 million in 2021, Grealish has struggled in recent seasons, managing just one Premier League goal and one assist in 2024–25 and rarely breaking into the starting XI.
City insiders say his future doesn’t lie under Guardiola’s evolving tactical project, with senior figures signalling that he “has to leave” to revive his career .
Interest Surges Across Leagues
Premier League contenders such as Everton and Tottenham are genuinely interested, but City’s willingness to consider only loan deals makes a permanent switch complicated—primarily because of Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages.
Newcastle remain in the mix, though financial constraints may stall negotiations.
Aston Villa, Grealish’s boyhood club, could pursue an emotional homecoming; however, their lack of Champions League football may not align with his ambitions.
European clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Inter Milan are monitoring developments. Leverkusen, in particular, have earmarked him as a possible replacement for the departing Florian Wirtz.
Saudi Pro League interest is also emerging, with clubs like Al Qadsiah among those considering moves, though Grealish reportedly prefers to remain in Europe ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Financially, a permanent sale could fetch around £40–50 million, far below his original transfer fee . City are expected to prioritise a loan arrangement—potentially absorbing part of his salary—to expedite his exit.
Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, has emphasised that regular minutes are crucial if Grealish wants to earn a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad.
A fresh chapter—whether at Everton, back at Villa, or elsewhere in Europe—offers the best route to reclaiming form and national team relevance.
