As the summer transfer window rolls toward its final weeks, Manchester City finds itself in the midst of yet another pivotal squad overhaul under Pep Guardiola. Despite having already made key acquisitions, including the imminent return of James Trafford, speculation continues to swirl around the future of several City players. Among the most high-profile of those is Jack Grealish, whose standing in the team has come under increasing scrutiny.
Former Aston Villa striker and now media pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has offered his thoughts on Grealish’s situation, suggesting that a transfer could occur in the final days of the window. While Manchester City have seen both arrivals and departures already this summer, Grealish’s potential exit would certainly be one of the more significant moves. The former Villa captain’s trajectory has been a rollercoaster ride since his British-record £100 million transfer in 2021. And now, only two years after playing a pivotal role in City’s treble-winning campaign, the winger faces the prospect of being moved on
Last season did not meet the standards expected at the Etihad. Despite winning the FA Cup and going deep in the Champions League, City’s failure to secure the Premier League title prompted Guardiola to reevaluate key areas of his squad. That evaluation has resulted in an active summer transfer window, with the club already making five signings and closing in on a sixth in goalkeeper James Trafford.
Trafford, who left City for Burnley last summer, has caught the eye with his performances and is now set for a return to Manchester. City matched Newcastle United’s £27 million bid for the England U21 keeper and are expected to finalize the deal imminently.
Surprisingly, Ederson, City’s long-serving and usually reliable first-choice goalkeeper, appears set to stay despite interest from Galatasaray. There were growing whispers about his potential departure due to inconsistent form last season and injuries that affected his rhythm. Yet Guardiola is reportedly backing the Brazilian to rediscover his form, ensuring stability between the posts heading into the new campaign.
While much of the focus has been on new arrivals, attention has also turned to players who may be heading out. Chief among them is Jack Grealish, who endured a disappointing 2024/25 season. After being an integral part of the team’s treble-winning campaign in 2022/23, Grealish’s performances noticeably dipped last term, largely due to fitness issues and a loss of form.
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As Guardiola explored new tactical approaches and integrated younger talent, Grealish began to fall down the pecking order. His situation became more precarious with the arrival of French winger Rayan Cherki, who is viewed as a long-term successor in that left-wing role. Cherki’s dynamic and versatile style offers Guardiola a more modern attacking option, potentially rendering Grealish surplus to requirements.
Grealish was notably absent from City’s FIFA Club World Cup squad and is currently training solo in an effort to maintain his fitness. Though he will be reintegrated into the pre-season program, the signs are increasingly pointing to an imminent departure.
Gabriel Agbonlahor, who remains closely tied to Aston Villa and the Premier League scene through his media work, believes Grealish’s exit could be timed for the final days of the window. Speaking on TalkSport, the former Villa striker weighed in on his former teammate’s prospects.
“I think sometimes with these sorts of transfers,” Agbonlahor explained, “they tend to happen very late. Look at how the Rashford and Sancho situations have played out — they’re only starting to get real traction now. I feel like with Jack, it’ll be similar. You might not see anything happen until mid to late August.”
Agbonlahor remains hopeful that Grealish could make a return to his boyhood club, Aston Villa, where he remains a fan favorite. Despite the controversial nature of his departure in 2021, Grealish’s contribution to the club — helping them regain Premier League status and establish themselves as a top-flight force — is still fondly remembered
The idea of Grealish returning to Villa Park has captured the imagination of both fans and pundits alike. While Villa have made huge strides under manager Unai Emery, including qualification for European competition, they are still missing a marquee creative figure to consistently unlock defenses. Grealish, in peak form, fits that profile perfectly
Agbonlahor believes the Villa faithful would overwhelmingly welcome the 29-year-old back with open arms. “You’ll always get a few fans who haven’t forgiven him, but let’s be honest — Jack is Villa through and through. He loves the club. You could see how emotional he was when he left. It wouldn’t take long for fans to be chanting his name again at Villa Park.”
One obstacle, however, could be Villa’s financial situation. Having already invested heavily in recent seasons, and with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations growing stricter, Emery may have to be strategic with further spending. Nevertheless, Agbonlahor believes a deal could be structured in a way that benefits all parties.
“Villa have to be careful with their finances, but City are realistic,” he said. “Jack’s not a fringe player, but they won’t get £100m again. If the price is right — maybe £35m to £40m — I think it’s doable.”
While a Villa reunion seems the most sentimental choice, it’s not the only path Grealish could take. Reports from Italy suggest Napoli have shown interest in the England international as part of their broader strategy to bring in experience and flair. Remarkably, the Italian giants are also linked with a possible move for Kevin De Bruyne, which would suggest a bold push to reassert themselves domestically and in Europe.
The attraction of playing abroad, especially in a less physically intense league like Serie A, could appeal to Grealish at this point in his career. While he has never publicly expressed a desire to leave English football, the prospect of a new challenge and guaranteed game time might be enticing — especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Another factor at play is Gareth Southgate’s stance on selection. Grealish’s standing in the England squad has declined, and consistent minutes will be crucial if he wants to work his way back into contention.
Gabriel Agbonlahor isn’t alone in campaigning for Grealish’s return to Villa. Another former Villa striker, Ross McCormack, also spoke to TalkSport, expressing his admiration for the midfielder.
“The one for me is Grealish,” McCormack said. “I’d get him back in a heartbeat. He’s an unbelievable talent, and we haven’t really replaced what he gave us. Even if he’s not hitting the heights of the treble season, he still adds quality, creativity, and leadership.”
McCormack emphasized the ripple effect Grealish’s return could have — energizing fans, raising team morale, and potentially attracting other high-caliber players to Villa
Despite his reduced role, Manchester City are not expected to let Grealish go on the cheap. With two years remaining on his contract, they reportedly value him at around £40 million. While this is significantly lower than the fee paid in 2021, it reflects both his recent form and age.
For City, the situation is somewhat delicate. Offloading Grealish too early in the window could backfire if injuries strike or other deals collapse. Conversely, waiting too long could limit their ability to bring in replacements. Guardiola is known for his careful squad planning, and while he may no longer see Grealish as central to his project, he will want to ensure a balanced roster before sanctioning any sale. The final days of the transfer window often throw up surprises, and Grealish’s name will almost certainly be in the headlines as the deadline approaches.
As things stand, Jack Grealish continues to train alone while speculation about his next move builds. City’s pre-season matches may offer some clues about Guardiola’s intentions, but the increasing noise from pundits and former players suggests an exit is very much on the table.
Whether it’s a fairy-tale return to Aston Villa, a bold new chapter in Italy with Napoli, or an unexpected third option, Grealish’s next step will be one of the summer’s defining storylines. He remains one of English football’s most marketable and technically gifted players, even if recent seasons haven’t seen him at his best. For Manchester City, letting him go would mark the end of a significant chapter. For Grealish, it could be the restart he needs to rediscover the magic that once made him England’s most thrilling playmaker
