Grealish has made his mind up. Pep will do everything to change it. City can’t afford him going there!

Jack Grealish is one of the most well-known footballers in the Premier League, and his career trajectory has been one of incredible highs and some noticeable struggles. Over the past few years, the England international has experienced a mix of success at Manchester City and challenging times trying to find his form, which has led to increasing speculation about his future at the club. In recent months, rumors have surfaced regarding Grealish’s potential departure from the reigning Premier League champions, with multiple top clubs showing interest in signing him. Despite these rumors, one thing is clear: Grealish’s future remains uncertain, and his next career move could be a pivotal moment in his career.

Jack Grealish’s move to Manchester City was one of the most high-profile transfers in the Premier League in the summer of 2021. City made a British-record signing for the winger, paying Aston Villa a whopping £100 million for his services. It was a move that raised many eyebrows, not only because of the massive fee involved but also because Grealish had been Villa’s captain and was deeply connected to the club, having spent his entire career at Villa Park before making the switch to City.

At the time, many saw Grealish as the missing piece in City’s attacking lineup. Known for his dribbling skills, creativity, and vision, he was expected to be a key player in Pep Guardiola’s side, one that could elevate City to even greater heights, particularly in Europe, where the club had yet to lift the Champions League trophy. His ability to carry the ball, draw fouls, and create opportunities for teammates was seen as a huge asset for a team already packed with talent.

In the first season following his move, Grealish’s impact was evident. While he didn’t immediately dominate as many had expected, he provided moments of brilliance, helping the team win another Premier League title and reach the final of the Champions League, where they narrowly lost to Chelsea. He was also instrumental in City’s FA Cup run and played a significant role in the squad that secured another league title.

However, as the 2022/23 season unfolded, Grealish’s form began to wane, and he found himself facing increasing pressure to perform. Guardiola, known for his tactical genius and demanding style, sometimes left Grealish on the bench, a reality that was new to the winger after years of being a key player at Villa. Despite these challenges, Grealish remained with the team, and in a twist of fate, it was during the 2022/23 season that Manchester City achieved something truly historic: they completed a treble, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League. Grealish played his part in this success, contributing when needed, but his overall performances were not as influential as many had hoped when he first arrived.

While Grealish had his moments of brilliance, his time at Manchester City hasn’t been without its challenges. Over the past two seasons, he has struggled to consistently maintain the form that made him one of the most exciting players in the Premier League during his time at Aston Villa. Injuries, lack of match fitness, and competition for places in City’s stacked squad have all contributed to his struggle to find a consistent spot in the starting lineup.

Perhaps the biggest factor in his decline in form has been the fierce competition for spots in Guardiola’s attack. With the likes of Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, and Bernardo Silva, as well as the emergence of other talents, Grealish has found himself fighting for minutes on the field. While Guardiola’s tactical approach demands the best from all his players, it’s clear that not every player in City’s squad can be a regular starter, and Grealish has, at times, been one of the players who has found himself on the periphery.

Grealish’s struggle to find his form has also affected his status in the England national team. After his stellar performances at Euro 2020, where he provided key assists and showcased his creativity, many expected Grealish to play an important role in the national team. However, he was notably left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers, further highlighting how his form at the club level had dipped. Southgate has often opted for other players like Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling, who have been more consistent in their performances, leaving Grealish on the sidelines.

In addition to this, Grealish had not scored a competitive goal for over a year before finally finding the back of the net in January 2025 during an 8-0 FA Cup victory over Salford. While the goal was a positive moment for Grealish, it was also a reminder of just how much time had passed since his last goal, a worrying stat for a player of his caliber.

Amid Grealish’s ongoing struggles to cement his place at City, rumors have started to swirl about a potential move away from the club. With his contract at Manchester City running until 2027, Grealish is still under contract with the club, but his uncertain future has not stopped clubs from registering their interest. Six major clubs have reportedly shown interest in signing the 29-year-old winger.

Aston Villa, the club where Grealish made a name for himself, is one of the teams linked with a return for their former star. Villa, under manager Unai Emery, has been in excellent form in recent seasons, and the club has made strides toward becoming a top-six contender in the Premier League. The addition of Grealish could provide Villa with the kind of creativity and flair they’ve been missing in their attack. However, Villa’s current squad is filled with talented wingers, including Jacob Ramsey, Leon Bailey, Emiliano Buendia, and Donyell Malen, leaving questions about how often Grealish would start for his boyhood club.

The interest from other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United, further demonstrates that Grealish is still a highly sought-after player. These clubs, too, are in various stages of building their squads for the future, and Grealish could be a valuable addition to their teams. Tottenham, in particular, has been searching for a player who can provide the creative spark they need, and Grealish fits the bill. Similarly, Newcastle United has made a statement with their recent signings and could see Grealish as a way to strengthen their squad as they continue their push for European qualification.

Moreover, two European giants, Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund, have also been linked with a move for Grealish. Both clubs have a history of signing players from the Premier League, and Grealish could be an attractive option for them as they seek to add depth and quality to their squads. Inter Milan, fresh off a strong campaign in Serie A and their run to the Champions League final, could see Grealish as a key player in their ongoing ambitions. Borussia Dortmund, known for their ability to develop young talent and compete in the Bundesliga, could offer Grealish a fresh challenge outside of England, where he could thrive in a different league and environment.

Interestingly, Jack Grealish has already spoken in the past about the possibility of returning to Aston Villa. Back in December 2021, when he was settling into life at Manchester City, Grealish made a subtle but significant comment about Villa, the club he has always had a deep connection to. In an interview with *The Telegraph*, Grealish admitted that it was “hard” for him to leave Villa and that he would always have a special place in his heart for the club. He even expressed a desire to return to Villa at some point in the future, echoing the sentiments of other players like Ashley Young, who had previously made a similar return after leaving the club.

Grealish’s words were a reflection of his deep emotional connection to Villa, the club where he spent years developing and eventually became one of the most prominent players in the Premier League. His admission that he would like to return to Villa one day was seen as a hint at his future intentions. However, this was over three years ago, and his feelings could have changed. In addition, as Villa’s squad has evolved under Emery, the club may not be as eager to bring back Grealish, especially considering the competition on the flanks.

That said, Villa could still see the value in bringing back a player of Grealish’s stature. His return would not only boost the club’s quality on the field but also provide a lift in terms of morale and connection with the fans. Grealish is a beloved figure at Villa Park, and his return would be a symbol of the club’s rise in stature in English football.

Despite the interest from multiple clubs and the hints Grealish has dropped about his future, it is still unclear where he will go next. Manchester City’s squad remains one of the best in the world, and Grealish has a long-term contract that ties him to the club. However, if his situation does not improve and he continues to struggle for minutes on the pitch, a move away from the Etihad could become increasingly likely.

The coming months will be crucial in determining Grealish’s future. With six major clubs reportedly interested, the winger has no shortage of options. Whether he chooses to return to Aston Villa, move to another Premier League side, or explore an opportunity in Europe, Grealish’s next move will be watched closely by fans, pundits, and rivals alike.

Ultimately, Jack Grealish has shown that he is capable of great things, but his time at Manchester City has been a mixture of highs and lows. As he enters a crucial period in his career, it will be fascinating to see what path he takes next. Will he return to his roots at Villa, take on a new challenge in the Premier League, or venture abroad for the first time in his career? The future is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: Jack Grealish’s next move will have a significant impact on both his career and the clubs that are keen to secure his services