Manchester City underwent a summer of change at the Etihad as Pep Guardiola oversaw the departure of several first-team stars departing.
The rebuild has not panned out as initially hoped for Guardiola, as the 2-1 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion heading into the international break marked the second loss in their opening three fixtures.
Erling Haaland has maintained his usual standards, starting the season with three Premier League goals, albeit his efforts have not been enough to save Man City from defeat.
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Guardiola is adjusting his approach at the Etihad, as early warning signs are emerging that this year could replicate last season, when City fell far behind in the title race.
Pep Guardiola speaks during a Manchester City training session
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
And as Man City prepare to welcome Manchester United in the first derby of the 2025/26 campaign, Haaland has revealed he was sad to see one former teammate leave the club this summer.
Erling Haaland did not want Jack Grealish to leave Manchester City
In an interview with the Men In Blazers YouTube channel, Haaland admitted that he is sad that Jack Grealish left Man City for Everton and feels weird about seeing his former teammate represent another club.
“Of course, it’s sad he left us. Uh, you know, I cannot uh joke around with him every single day, but again, that’s football. And you see him now. He’s happy he’s playing every game.
“Uh, he’s performing, which is amazing to see. I’m super happy for him. And Everton is lucky that they have him, and I wish him all the best. I hope he continues with this. Uh, it’s a bit weird to see him there, but again, that’s football.”
Haaland has been scrutinised at the Etihad despite averaging a goal a game at the start of the season, as his side have struggled to kick into gear.
Whereas Grealish is the centre of attention at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after the 29-year-old won his first Premier League POTM award after delivering four assists in his first two league starts in August.
Everton’s 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday ended Grealish’s remarkable run in the Premier League, but his early performances are reminiscent of the form he showed at Villa Park prior to his £100 million move to the Citizens.
Haaland and Grealish, of course, played a pivotal role in Man City’s treble-winning campaign, as the pair combined for 57 goals and 10 assists across all competitions, delivering the club’s first-ever Champions League crown.
Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland may never play together again
However, Grealish’s career in Manchester declined after the 2022/23 season, as he barely featured in Guardiola’s plans throughout his last two seasons with the club.
Everton have the option to turn the loan deal into a permanent transfer for £50 million at the end of the season, and with the 30-year-old already proving to be an influential figure for David Moyes, this possibility has a real chance of becoming reality.
Grealish suggested his Man City tenure is over following the completion of his move to Merseyside as he aims to revitalise his stunted career and lay down a marker ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Jack Grealish of Everton celebrates the second goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Undoubtedly, Haaland will be disappointed, but he is surrounded by world-class talent at the Etihad that stands a better chance of helping the Norwegian compete for silverware this season.
Grealish will be fondly remembered for his efforts throughout the treble-winning season, but it was ultimately the perfect time for all involved to part ways.