Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City looks increasingly uncertain, with the 29-year-old left out of the squad for the club’s final Premier League match against Fulham. His omission is a strong sign that his time at the Etihad is coming to an end.
The England midfielder, once the most expensive British footballer after a £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021, has struggled to consistently deliver for the club. Despite playing a key role in City’s treble-winning campaign, his overall impact has been modest — just 40 goal contributions in 157 games.
Grealish has made 32 appearances this season but started only 16 times, with three goals and five assists to his name. He also picked up five yellow cards, reflecting a mixed campaign in terms of form and discipline.
With City aiming to secure a top-five finish and a Champions League spot, Grealish has been left out altogether, and reports suggest he may have already played his final game for the club. Talks with the club’s leadership are expected soon, but the signs point toward an exit.
One of the biggest hurdles in finding a new club could be Grealish’s £300,000-a-week salary, which might limit options within the Premier League. However, a move abroad is looking more likely, with Napoli emerging as frontrunners. The Serie A champions are in the market for a left-sided forward after selling Kvaratskhelia to PSG.
Other potential destinations include AC Milan, Tottenham, and Nottingham Forest. Interestingly, Newcastle United have ruled themselves out despite being frequently linked. Meanwhile, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, and even clubs in the Saudi Pro League are monitoring the situation.
There’s also an unlikely but talked-about possibility of a move to Manchester United, which would make Grealish the first to switch directly across the city since Owen Hargreaves in 2011.
As speculation continues, former players and pundits have emphasized the need for Grealish to move on. With Manchester City preparing for the future and new talent emerging, the writing appears to be on the wall for the once-record signing.