Jack Grealish’s Manchester City story looks set to end just four years after it began with a record-breaking £100m move from Aston Villa. The England international, once a centrepiece of Pep Guardiola’s attacking puzzle, is now on the fringes — and preparing for a new chapter.
Grealish, now 29, played just 715 Premier League minutes in the 2024–25 season. Plagued by injuries and poor form, he failed to make a sustained impact and was an unused substitute 10 times in the latter half of the campaign. His lack of club action also led to omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Although Guardiola and the City hierarchy remain fond of Grealish — praising his attitude and influence in the dressing room — there’s a growing sense that a clean break is best. Guardiola’s push for a leaner squad and City’s recent moves in the transfer market, including the signing of Tijjani Reijnders and interest in Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, only confirm Grealish is no longer central to the club’s plans.
City are open to offloading the winger, who has two years left on his contract. A permanent move is preferred to reduce their wage bill and recoup some of their initial investment. However, with Grealish earning around £300,000 per week, financial realities make a straightforward transfer unlikely.
A loan deal, while not ideal for player or club, might be the only viable solution unless Grealish accepts a significant wage cut. City may also have to subsidise part of his salary, or accept a reduced transfer fee to facilitate a permanent exit.
Where could Grealish go?
The Premier League remains his most likely destination. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are both reportedly interested. Spurs can offer Champions League football, but their spending is hampered by more than £330m in outstanding transfer fees. Newcastle may have the wage capacity, but Financial Fair Play constraints could limit a big-money move.
A return to Aston Villa would carry emotional appeal, but it’s financially improbable. Despite Champions League qualification, Villa’s wage-to-revenue ratio stood at an unsustainable 91% in 2024, and the club is prioritising financial discipline. Additionally, manager Unai Emery may not see Grealish as a tactical fit.
Everton are in no position to meet Grealish’s wage demands either. Meanwhile, Manchester United and Liverpool — the only other English clubs with the financial clout — have shown no interest.
Could a move abroad be next? Barcelona once showed interest, but their financial troubles and evolving recruitment focus have cooled any pursuit. Napoli and AC Milan have been linked, though Grealish’s wage package is likely too high. Napoli’s focus may also shift to completing a deal for Kevin De Bruyne, Grealish’s teammate at City.
Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan remain intriguing options. Both could offer Champions League football and an environment where Grealish’s flair might flourish. Yet again, wages would be a stumbling block.
That leaves Saudi Arabia. A lucrative contract in the Saudi Pro League could preserve Grealish’s earnings and offer a fresh start. But it also comes with reputational risks. Critics may view such a move as a step down, potentially ending his England career. Still, as Ivan Toney’s recent recall shows, Saudi-based players aren’t necessarily out of international contention under Thomas Tuchel.
For now, Grealish remains open to all options. He wants a permanent move and a fresh start, but flexibility — and compromise — may be necessary. If he’s willing to sacrifice wages for game time and stature, a Premier League return or European switch remains feasible. Otherwise, Saudi Arabia may become the most realistic escape route.
One thing is clear: Grealish’s glittering arrival at City has faded. Whether his next step revitalises his career or marks the start of its wind-down depends on the decisions made in the coming weeks.
