Jack Grealish’s journey at Manchester City has taken a dramatic turn, transforming from the club’s marquee £100 million signing to a player seemingly surplus to requirements. The 29-year-old midfielder’s exclusion from City’s Club World Cup squad has sent shockwaves through the football world, effectively confirming what many had suspected – his time at the Etihad Stadium may be coming to an end.
The England international’s struggles became apparent during the 2024-25 season, where he managed just seven Premier League starts under Pep Guardiola. This dramatic reduction in playing time represented a significant fall from grace for a player who was once considered one of the most exciting talents in English football. The decision to leave him out of City’s 27-man Club World Cup squad, while including new signings Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Marcus Bettinelli, painted a clear picture of where Grealish stands in Guardiola’s plans.
The irony of Grealish’s situation wasn’t lost on observers, as he was featured prominently in the branding for City’s new kit that the team would debut in the United States tournament. Yet despite this marketing presence, the reality was that Guardiola had no place for him in his tactical setup for the prestigious competition.
The Financial Reality: City’s Asking Price and Wage Concerns
Manchester City’s pragmatic approach to Grealish’s departure reflects the harsh realities of modern football economics. According to reports, the club has set their asking price at approximately £50 million – a figure that represents a significant loss on their initial investment. This valuation acknowledges that Grealish’s stock has dropped considerably since his record-breaking transfer from Aston Villa in 2021.
The financial complexities of any potential deal extend beyond the transfer fee. Grealish’s substantial £300,000-per-week wages present a significant obstacle for interested clubs. This astronomical salary, which made sense when he was viewed as a key player for City’s future, now represents a major hurdle in finding a suitable destination for the midfielder.
City’s willingness to explore loan arrangements demonstrates their understanding of the financial constraints facing potential suitors. The club appears prepared to subsidize part of his wages to facilitate a move, whether temporary or permanent. This pragmatic approach suggests that City are more concerned with removing him from their wage bill and squad than maximizing their return on investment.
The Guardian’s reporting indicates that while City haven’t received any official offers yet, the club’s hierarchy is actively working to find a solution that works for all parties involved. The potential for a loan deal provides flexibility for both City and interested clubs, allowing them to navigate the complex financial landscape of modern football transfers.
England Ambitions: Tuchel’s Message and World Cup Dreams
The appointment of Thomas Tuchel as England manager has added another dimension to Grealish’s career crossroads. The German tactician has been characteristically direct in his assessment of what Grealish needs to do to return to international contention. Tuchel’s message was clear and unambiguous: regular playing time is non-negotiable for England selection.
“To go every three days and get better and better with every minute that he has in his legs. That’s what is missing, nothing else,” Tuchel stated, emphasizing the importance of consistent match fitness and rhythm. This assessment carries particular weight given that the 2026 World Cup is on the horizon, representing potentially Grealish’s last realistic chance to make a significant impact on the international stage.
The timing of Tuchel’s comments couldn’t be more relevant to Grealish’s situation. At 29, the midfielder is entering what should be the prime years of his career, yet he finds himself watching from the sidelines at club level. The prospect of missing out on World Cup selection due to lack of playing time adds urgency to his need for a move.
Grealish’s international career has been marked by moments of brilliance, particularly during England’s run to the European Championship final in 2021. His ability to change games with his pace, dribbling, and creativity made him a valuable asset for Gareth Southgate’s setup. However, his reduced role at City has inevitably affected his international prospects, creating a situation where club and country ambitions are directly at odds.
The Everton Connection: A Surprising Preference Emerges
Perhaps the most intriguing development in the Grealish transfer saga has been the emergence of Everton as his preferred destination. According to Football Insider, the midfielder has expressed excitement about the possibility of joining the Merseyside club, a revelation that has surprised many within football circles.
The appeal of Everton for Grealish appears to be multifaceted. The club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock represents a fresh start and ambitious future, while the guarantee of regular first-team football addresses his most pressing concern. The report suggests that Grealish is attracted to “the glamour of the club’s new stadium and the possibility of a regular starting role,” indicating that he prioritizes playing time over competing at the highest level with a Champions League club.
This preference reveals a mature understanding of his career situation. Rather than holding out for a move to another elite European club where he might face similar competition for places, Grealish appears willing to take a step down in terms of club prestige to ensure regular football. This pragmatic approach aligns with Tuchel’s advice about the importance of consistent playing time.
The potential move to Everton would represent a homecoming of sorts for Grealish, returning him to a club environment where he would likely be the star player rather than a squad rotation option. The psychological boost of being wanted and needed could prove crucial in reigniting his career trajectory.
However, the financial challenges remain significant. Everton’s compliance with Premier League profit and sustainability regulations means that any deal would likely need to be structured creatively, potentially involving a loan arrangement with City subsidizing a portion of his wages.
Alternative Destinations: A Range of Options
While Everton may be Grealish’s preferred destination, several other clubs have been linked with potential moves. The diversity of interested parties reflects both his continued reputation and the varying approaches clubs might take to securing his services.
Aston Villa, his former club, represents the most emotionally significant option. A return to Villa Park would complete a full circle journey for a player who became a club legend before his controversial departure to City. The familiarity of the environment, combined with Villa’s recent European qualification, could provide the perfect platform for Grealish to rediscover his best form.
Newcastle United’s interest reflects their continued ambition to establish themselves among England’s elite clubs. The financial resources available to the Saudi-backed club could make them viable contenders, despite the complexities around Financial Fair Play regulations. A move to St. James’ Park would keep Grealish in the Premier League while offering him the chance to be a key player in an ambitious project.
West Ham United’s potential interest aligns with their European aspirations and need for creative players. The London club’s recent successes in European competition demonstrate their ability to attract quality players, though their financial constraints might make a permanent deal challenging.
The international interest from Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen adds another dimension to Grealish’s options. A move to Serie A with Napoli could offer a different tactical challenge and the opportunity to rebuild his reputation in a new environment. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen’s interest, particularly with Erik ten Hag now at the helm, suggests that top European clubs still recognize his potential value.
Emotional Bonds: Haaland’s Touching Gesture
The human side of Grealish’s situation was poignantly illustrated by Erling Haaland’s social media post expressing his sadness at his teammate’s absence from the Club World Cup. The Norwegian striker’s simple yet touching message – “Jack Grealish where are you” accompanied by a sad emoji – highlighted the genuine friendships that exist within football.
Haaland’s public display of support for Grealish reveals the respect and affection the midfielder commands within the City dressing room. The fact that Haaland chose to highlight the empty seat next to him on the plane to the United States demonstrates that Grealish’s absence was felt not just tactically, but personally by his teammates.
This relationship between Haaland and Grealish had been well-documented throughout their time together at City. They had become permanent travel partners on away trips, developing a friendship that transcended football. Haaland’s willingness to publicly express his disappointment at Grealish’s exclusion suggests that the decision may have been as surprising to the players as it was to the public.
The emotional aspect of Grealish’s situation adds another layer of complexity to his departure. Leaving behind close friendships and established relationships is never easy, but it’s often an inevitable part of a footballer’s career progression.
