Jack Grealish’s Manchester City Career at Breaking Point
Jack Grealish’s time at Manchester City appears to be nearing its end.
Pep Guardiola has publicly stated that the £100 million signing can no longer continue sitting on the bench, after starting just 7 Premier League games in the 2024/25 season.
And yet, Grealish was left out of Manchester City’s 27-man squad for the FIFA Club World Cup—a puzzling decision considering the manager’s own admission that Grealish needs minutes.
🗣️ What Pep Guardiola Said About Jack Grealish
Speaking about the situation, Guardiola admitted Grealish has lost form and confidence, and needs a reset—possibly away from the Etihad:
“We decided the best thing is for him to stay (behind) and have a place where he can come back and be the player he was during the Treble season—or his Aston Villa days.”
⚽ Man City Held “Honest Talks” With Grealish
According to Guardiola, Manchester City staff sat down for a frank conversation with Grealish about his future. The conclusion?
A move away is best for everyone.
Currently, Grealish is training alone—separated from the matchday squad and from his former place in the pecking order.
❓ Did Guardiola Hinder Grealish’s Development?
In a moment of rare honesty, Guardiola took responsibility for Grealish’s lack of development at City:
“Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason he didn’t play last season was because of my decisions.”
🗣️ Danny Mills Blames Guardiola’s System for Jack Grealish’s Struggles
Former Manchester City right-back Danny Mills has weighed in on the Jack Grealish debate, pointing the finger squarely at Pep Guardiola. According to Mills, the £100 million winger was never allowed the freedom of movement he once enjoyed at Aston Villa—where he thrived as a creative force with a free role across the pitch.
“[Grealish] was restricted under Pep. At Villa, he had the freedom to roam. At City, he was forced into structure—and it killed his natural game,” Mills explained in an interview published by OneFootball.
This perspective adds weight to the some sentiment that Guardiola’s rigid tactics stifled Grealish’s flair, preventing him from becoming the dynamic attacker City hoped for.
🧭 What’s Next for Jack Grealish?
Several clubs are reportedly interested, but the road ahead is far from clear.
🔵 Napoli
The Serie A champions are monitoring the situation, though a potential move could depend on whether Grealish accepts a significant pay cut.
🔵 Everton
Another Premier League side that may be tempted—especially if Jack Grealish agrees to subsidize some of his £300,000-per-week wages.
💰 Current Market Value
Grealish is currently valued at £45 million, according to The Mirror. That price is a bit manageable for top European clubs—his wages, however, are not.
🔄 Loan Move on the Table?
Reports suggest Manchester City are open to a loan move—something that could suit all parties.
More importantly, a loan would give Grealish the regular football he needs to return to the England national team.
Manchester City may need to shoulder part of Jack Grealish salary to enable other teams make a loan move for the player.
🏴 Euro 2024 Snub Still Hurts
When Jack Grealish was left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad, he described it as:
“One of the most difficult moments in my career.”
According to reports, Thomas Tuchel has already spoken with the player and stressed the need for regular minutes at club level to earn his way back into the national squad.
🧊 Grealish Frozen Out as New Signings Step In
Manchester City’s midfield and attacking roles are now filled with fresh names and younger legs.
Included in City’s Club World Cup squad:
- Rayan Cherki
- Tijjani Reijnders
- Rayan Aït-Nouri
- Marcus Bettinelli
Meanwhile, Grealish remains on the sidelines, his career at the Etihad fading into the background. The situation will hardly get better at Manchester City for the former Aston Villa playmaker.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Grealish Needs Football, Not the Bench
Jack Grealish has everything a top player needs—talent, flair, vision—but without game time, it means nothing.
Whether it’s Napoli, Everton, or another team, the next move must be about playing football—not just wearing a big-name shirt.
For now, Pep has spoken. And his message is loud and clear:
“Leave.”
Leave a Reply