Manchester City are reportedly ready to part ways with Jack Grealish, just four years after making him the most expensive signing in British football history.
City shelled out £100 million to sign the England international from Aston Villa in 2021, but according to Softfootball sources, the club is now open to funding his exit as part of a summer reshuffle.
Grealish, 29, was left out of City’s squad for the Club World Cup in the United States this summer, a decision widely seen as a clear indication he is no longer in Pep Guardiola’s plans.
The midfielder is now assessing his options, with his eyes firmly set on returning to form and breaking back into the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. However, the road ahead is anything but simple.
Softfootball understands that West Ham United have made informal contact to explore the possibility of signing Grealish. The Hammers, who are looking to replace the departed Mohammed Kudus, see him as a marquee attacking addition.
But convincing the player may be tricky. West Ham finished near the bottom of the Premier League last season, and new manager Graham Potter has yet to inspire confidence in a rebuild.
A permanent deal appears unlikely due to Grealish’s substantial wages, reportedly over £300,000 per week. Manchester City are now said to be leaning towards a loan move and would likely need to subsidise a large portion of his salary to get a deal over the line.
Everton are also in the mix, with ambitions to build momentum as they prepare to move into their new stadium. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the most prominent suitor, and sources suggest their interest is serious. Spurs could offer the attacking midfielder a fresh start at a club pushing for top-four football.
As things stand, Grealish is facing the most uncertain chapter of his career. OneFootball even claims that Manchester City are willing to lower their asking price just to get the deal done.
Interestingly, Grealish’s name was not among the six players previously reported by SoftFootball to be on the chopping block at City, a list led by John Stones. But the picture is changing rapidly. With pre-season in full swing and the start of the new campaign fast approaching, City are ramping up efforts to resolve Grealish’s future.
There has also been talk of a move abroad, but sources close to the player have ruled out links to AC Milan and Napoli, at least for now. The clock is ticking, and all eyes are now on where the England international will land next.
