Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hinted that England international Jack Grealish may be considering a summer move after he was left out of the squad for the upcoming Club World Cup tournament in the United States. The 29‑year‑old midfielder, signed from Aston Villa in 2021 for £100 million, managed just seven Premier League starts in the 2024–25 season and has not featured in the FA Cup final. His exclusion reflects a mutual agreement between player and club aimed at helping him secure regular playing time.
Limited Opportunities at the Etihad Stadium
Grealish’s current predicament marks a stark contrast to the glory of the 2022–23 treble campaign—where he played a pivotal role. Since then, managerial choices and competition for places have significantly reduced his on‑field contributions, prompting a mutual decision for him to remain in Manchester during the Club World Cup.
Guardiola stressed that the decision was born of “honest conversations” between both parties. He acknowledged: “Jack is an exceptional player… the only reason he didn’t play last season is, of course, my decisions.” He continued, “We decided that he has to play…and have the butterflies in his stomach again”. Leaving him out of the travelling squad will allow Grealish to reflect on his future and seek a setting where he can rediscover form and confidence.
Door Still Open—But Exit Likely
Although Guardiola stopped short of declaring Grealish’s City tenure over, he admitted uncertainty about Grealish’s future: “I don’t know if he will stay… For now, he’s a Manchester City player, and if he has to come back, he will be back”. Most observers, however, expect Grealish to pursue a transfer this summer to secure consistent minutes—critical for both club form and national team ambitions ahead of Euro 2028.
suitors and Transfer Prospects
Despite his high wage demands, several clubs are reportedly tracking Grealish. These include Newcastle, Napoli, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa, where he could rekindle earlier form . Napoli, in particular, are weighing a £45 million move, which would pair him again with Kevin De Bruyne and offer Serie A’s technical playstyle.
Everton and Villa present compelling options for more playing time, though financial constraints under the Premier League’s wage structure may limit their ability to meet his salary. A move abroad could prove mutually appealing if Grealish seeks a fresh challenge and City looks to offload his £230,000 weekly wages.
Impact on Manchester City’s Transition
Grealish’s likely departure aligns with a broader overhaul at City following a trophy‑less season. Manager Guardiola has invested heavily—around €400 million—on new signings like Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Aït‑Nouri. Concurrently, captaincy has shifted to players like Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Ruben Dias, and emerging future leader Erling Haaland.
The squad’s structure is evolving, focusing on dynamic, versatile players suited to Guardiola’s tactical pivot. Grealish’s exit would open space in both the lineup and the wage bill, allowing City to integrate fresh talent. According to OneFootball, his move is “set to happen,” with the manager acknowledging that a new environment may be “what he needs to get his career back on track”.
Grealish’s Motivators and Career Trajectory
For Grealish, the drive behind a potential move is clear: reclaim the regular play and confidence that defined his Aston Villa days. Guardiola emphasized that Grealish needs the “butterflies” of match pressure and the consistency of playing every three days. At 29, with two years remaining on his City contract, the next season is pivotal—with Euro 2028 and England responsibilities on the horizon.
Final Word: Reflect and Rebuild
Grealish’s removal from the Club World Cup roster is more than a squad list decision—it signals the end of an era at City and the start of a crucial crossroad for his career. While Guardiola remains respectful of his contributions, the football boardroom now sees a player in limbo who needs a fresh chapter to rediscover his best form and regain relevance.
As clubs circle, the coming weeks may define whether Grealish becomes a headline summer transfer. City’s summer rebuild continues—and with Grealish set to move on, the landscape of next season is taking clear shape.
