Jack Grealish’s time at Manchester City appears to be drawing to a close in the most unceremonious fashion possible. The final nail in the coffin came not through a dramatic falling out or a public confrontation, but through a simple omission from Pep Guardiola’s 27-man squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. For a player who commanded a British-record £100 million transfer fee just four years ago, this exclusion represents a stark fall from grace that few could have predicted when he made his high-profile switch from Aston Villa to the Etihad Stadium in 2021.
Guardiola’s comments following Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Fulham on the final day of the Premier League season were telling in their diplomatic brutality. “Of course, Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player who has to play football every three days. It didn’t happen this season and last season either,” the Spanish tactician observed. “He needs to do it. With us or another place. It’s a question for Jack, his agent and the club.” These words, delivered with Guardiola’s characteristic measured tone, effectively served as a public transfer request on behalf of the player.
The 29-year-old England international has endured two miserable seasons at City, managing just seven Premier League starts in the 2024-25 campaign after falling behind both Savinho and Jeremy Doku in the attacking hierarchy. This dramatic decline has not only cost him his place in Guardiola’s plans but has also seen him lose his spot in the England national team setup, a devastating blow for a player who once seemed destined for greatness on both club and international stages.
The transformation from the unpredictable genius who thrilled Premier League crowds at Villa Park to a peripheral figure at the Etihad represents one of modern football’s most puzzling career trajectories. While Grealish did play a part in City’s historic treble success during the 2022-23 season, his overall tenure in Manchester has been characterized by a gradual erosion of the creative freedom and natural instincts that made him such a captivating player during his Villa days.
The Psychological Impact of Tactical Constraints
Understanding Grealish’s struggles at Manchester City requires examining the fundamental mismatch between his natural playing style and Guardiola’s systematic approach to football. At Aston Villa, Grealish was the creative fulcrum around whom the entire team was built. He had the freedom to drift across the pitch, to take risks with his passing, and to express the kind of individual brilliance that can single-handedly change games. Under Unai Emery’s predecessor Dean Smith, and even during his early days under Steven Gerrard, Grealish was encouraged to be the maverick, the player who could unlock defenses through moments of inspiration rather than structured buildup play.
At Manchester City, however, Grealish found himself constrained by a system that prizes precision over improvisation, collective movement over individual expression. Guardiola’s methodology, while undeniably successful, has historically struggled to accommodate players whose greatest strengths lie in unpredictability. The Catalan coach’s preference for positional play, where every movement is calculated and every pass has a predetermined purpose, fundamentally clashed with Grealish’s instinctive approach to the game.
This tactical straitjacket has not only limited Grealish’s effectiveness on the pitch but has also appeared to sap his confidence. The player who once glided past defenders with ease now seems hesitant, second-guessing decisions that once came naturally to him. The weight of expectation that comes with being the most expensive British player in history has only compounded these issues, creating a cycle of declining performance and diminishing opportunities.
Financial Implications and Market Realities
Any potential transfer for Grealish is complicated by the significant financial investment Manchester City made in acquiring his services. The £100 million fee, combined with his reported weekly wages of £300,000, means that City are likely to face a substantial loss on their investment. This financial reality will influence both the asking price and the number of clubs capable of meeting Grealish’s salary demands.
The modern football transfer market has become increasingly conscious of Financial Fair Play regulations and Profit and Sustainability Rules, which further complicates potential deals. Many clubs that might be interested in Grealish’s services simply cannot afford his current wage package without significant restructuring of their salary budgets. This economic reality may force either Grealish to accept a pay cut or City to subsidize a portion of his wages to facilitate a move.
Manchester City’s position is also influenced by their need to trim their squad, as evidenced by Guardiola’s recent comments about requiring a smaller group of players. The club has already invested £116 million in four new signings during the summer transfer window, signaling a clear intention to refresh their squad. In this context, Grealish’s departure would not only clear a significant salary from their books but would also generate funds for further reinforcements.
Analyzing the Transfer Options: A Detailed Breakdown
1. Tottenham Hotspur: The Premier League Redemption Story
Tottenham Hotspur emerges as perhaps the most logical destination for Grealish’s next chapter. The connection through sporting director Johan Lange, who brokered Grealish’s original move to Manchester City, provides an existing relationship that could facilitate negotiations. More importantly, Spurs’ current circumstances align perfectly with what Grealish needs at this stage of his career.
Following their disappointing 17th-place Premier League finish, Tottenham under new manager Thomas Frank represents a club in transition, seeking to rebuild their identity and compete at the highest level once again. This environment could provide Grealish with the perfect balance of opportunity and reduced pressure. Unlike at Manchester City, where he was competing with established world-class talents for limited positions, at Spurs he would likely be guaranteed significant playing time and the chance to be a key creative force.
The potential departure of Son Heung-min creates an obvious void in Tottenham’s attacking lineup that Grealish could fill. His ability to operate across the front line, whether as a traditional winger, an inside forward, or even as a central attacking midfielder, would provide Frank with tactical flexibility. Moreover, his existing friendship with James Maddison could prove crucial in helping both players rediscover their best form. The chemistry between two creative English talents could become a cornerstone of Spurs’ attacking play.
Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League through their Europa League triumph ensures that Grealish would continue to play at the highest level of European competition. This is crucial not only for his club career but also for any hopes of forcing his way back into England contention ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
2. SSC Napoli: The Serie A Renaissance
Napoli represents perhaps the most intriguing option for Grealish’s career revival. The club’s interest, reportedly backed by a willingness to pay up to £42 million, demonstrates serious intent. More significantly, Napoli offers a proven track record of revitalizing players whose careers have stagnated elsewhere.
The success stories of Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku provide compelling evidence of Napoli’s ability to restore players to their peak form. McTominay, who had become a peripheral figure at Manchester United, has emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic midfielders under Antonio Conte’s guidance. Similarly, Lukaku has rediscovered his goal-scoring touch after struggling at Chelsea and Inter Milan.
For Grealish, the prospect of working under Conte presents both opportunities and challenges. The Italian coach’s demanding style and tactical acumen could help Grealish develop new dimensions to his game while still allowing him the creative freedom to express his natural talents. Conte’s system typically accommodates wide players who can drift inward and create overloads in central areas, which could suit Grealish’s preferred style of play.
The potential reunion with Kevin De Bruyne, who has reportedly agreed to join Napoli, adds another compelling dimension to this possibility. The Belgian midfielder was one of the few Manchester City players with whom Grealish developed genuine on-field chemistry, and their partnership could become a central feature of Napoli’s attacking strategy.
Serie A’s current tactical evolution also favors technical players like Grealish. The league’s traditional emphasis on tactical discipline has increasingly incorporated elements of creative freedom and individual expression, creating an environment where Grealish’s skills could flourish.
3. Everton: The Merseyside Project
Everton’s interest in making Grealish their marquee signing for the new Hill Dickinson Stadium represents an ambitious statement of intent from the Toffees. David Moyes’ long-standing admiration for the player, dating back to his 2021 assertion that Grealish was “probably the best player in the league right now,” suggests a manager who understands how to maximize his talents.
The appeal of this move lies in the potential for Grealish to become the focal point of Everton’s attacking play, similar to his role during his peak years at Aston Villa. At Goodison Park and eventually at their new stadium, Grealish would likely be afforded the kind of creative license that has been absent from his game in recent years. Moyes’ track record of improving players and his reputation as an excellent man-manager could be exactly what Grealish needs to rediscover his confidence.
The proximity to Manchester also offers practical advantages, allowing Grealish to maintain his current living arrangements while embarking on a new chapter in his career. This stability could be important for a player who has experienced significant upheaval in recent years.
However, questions remain about Everton’s ability to match Grealish’s wage demands and their broader ambitions. While the move to a new stadium represents progress, the club would need to demonstrate that they can provide Grealish with a platform to achieve his career goals, including a potential return to international football.
4. Bayer Leverkusen: The Bundesliga Adventure
The reported interest from Bayer Leverkusen opens up the possibility of Grealish following the increasingly popular path of English players seeking success in Germany. The Bundesliga has become a proving ground for English talent, with players like Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane demonstrating that the league can provide both development opportunities and success at the highest level.
Erik ten Hag’s appointment as Leverkusen’s new head coach adds an interesting dynamic to this potential move. The Dutch manager’s previous work with technical, creative players suggests he could be well-suited to help Grealish rediscover his form. Ten Hag’s tactical flexibility and emphasis on attacking football could provide the perfect environment for Grealish to rebuild his career.
The potential role as Florian Wirtz’s replacement represents both an opportunity and a significant challenge. Wirtz’s impending move to Liverpool creates a void that Leverkusen desperately need to fill, and Grealish’s experience and technical ability make him a natural candidate. However, the pressure of replacing one of European football’s most promising young talents could prove daunting for a player already struggling with confidence issues.
Champions League football at Leverkusen would ensure that Grealish continues to compete at the highest level, which is essential for any hopes of international rehabilitation. The Bundesliga’s reputation for tactical innovation and player development could also help him add new dimensions to his game.
5. Newcastle United: The Premier League Project
Newcastle United’s potential interest in Grealish reflects their ambition to establish themselves as genuine contenders in both domestic and European competitions. Their return to the Champions League provides the kind of platform that could appeal to a player of Grealish’s caliber, while Eddie Howe’s reputation for improving players and creating cohesive team units could be exactly what the winger needs.
The reported preference for a loan deal highlights Newcastle’s cautious approach to transfer spending under PSR constraints, but it also potentially offers Manchester City a way to reduce their wage bill without accepting a significant loss on their investment. For Grealish, a loan move could provide the opportunity to prove himself at a club with genuine ambitions while keeping his options open for future permanent moves.
Newcastle’s need for wide players, particularly if Anthony Gordon departs for Arsenal or Tottenham, creates a clear pathway into the first team for Grealish. The club’s passionate fanbase and St. James’ Park atmosphere could provide the kind of inspirational environment that brings out the best in creative players.
The potential for Grealish to become a cult hero on Tyneside should not be underestimated. Newcastle fans have a particular appreciation for skillful, entertaining players, and Grealish’s style of play could quickly endear him to the Geordie faithful.
6. Aston Villa: The Romantic Return
The possibility of a return to Aston Villa represents the most emotionally compelling option for Grealish. The club where he developed from a promising youth player into a Premier League star holds obvious sentimental value, and the familiarity of the environment could help him rediscover the form that made him such a coveted player in the first place.
Unai Emery’s reported interest in bringing Grealish back to Villa Park reflects the Spanish coach’s appreciation for technical, creative players. Emery’s tactical flexibility and experience in maximizing the potential of attacking talents could provide the perfect framework for Grealish’s rehabilitation.
However, significant obstacles stand in the way of this romantic reunion. Villa’s need to reduce their wage bill following their failure to qualify for the Champions League makes it extremely difficult to accommodate Grealish’s current salary demands. The club’s focus on complying with PSR regulations means that any deal would likely require either a massive pay cut from Grealish or the sale of several key players to free up wage space.
The emotional appeal of returning home might be strong enough to convince Grealish to accept reduced terms, particularly if he believes it offers his best chance of rediscovering his peak form. The support of the Villa Park faithful and the opportunity to write a redemption story at his boyhood club could provide powerful motivation.
7. AC Milan: The Italian Challenge
AC Milan’s interest in Grealish represents an opportunity to test himself in one of Europe’s most tactically sophisticated leagues. The presence of former England teammates Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori would ease his transition to Italian football, while the potential partnership with Christian Pulisic could create an exciting attacking combination.
However, Milan’s failure to qualify for European competition significantly reduces the appeal of this option. For a player desperate to rebuild his international credentials ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the absence of Champions League or Europa League football represents a major disadvantage.
The return of Massimiliano Allegri as head coach also raises questions about whether Milan would provide the creative freedom that Grealish needs to rediscover his best form. Allegri’s pragmatic approach to tactics and emphasis on defensive solidity might not be the ideal environment for a player who has struggled under restrictive tactical systems.
8. Saudi Pro League: The Financial Escape
Al-Qadsiah’s reported interest represents the most financially lucrative option available to Grealish. The Saudi Pro League’s willingness to offer enormous salaries could set up the player and his family for life, while the presence of established stars like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nacho suggests a league that is serious about attracting top talent.
However, this option would effectively end Grealish’s hopes of returning to the England squad for the 2026 World Cup. The move would also represent a significant waste of his remaining prime years, particularly for a player who still has the technical ability to compete at the highest level of European football.
While the financial security cannot be ignored, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding his long-term earning potential, a move to Saudi Arabia would likely be viewed as an admission of defeat in his quest to fulfill his considerable potential.
The Road to Redemption
Jack Grealish’s career stands at a crossroads that will define his legacy in the game. At 29, he retains enough of his peak years to mount a successful comeback, but the choices he makes in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether he can reclaim his status as one of English football’s most exciting talents.
The key to his rehabilitation lies in finding a club and manager who can restore his confidence while providing him with the creative freedom that has been largely absent from his game at Manchester City. Whether that comes through a return to the Premier League with Tottenham or Newcastle, an Italian adventure with Napoli, a German challenge with Bayer Leverkusen, or an emotional homecoming to Aston Villa, the next chapter of Grealish’s career promises to be one of the most fascinating transfer stories of the summer.
Whatever decision he makes, Jack Grealish’s talent remains undeniable. The player who once terrorized Premier League defenses with his pace, skill, and unpredictability is still there, waiting for the right environment and the right manager to set him free once again. The question now is whether he can find that perfect match and write a redemption story worthy of his considerable abilities.
