Jack Grealish has slipped down the pecking order at Manchester City and could be on his way out of the club this summer, with Newcastle United interested in the England man
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Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish is believed to be interested in a move to Newcastle(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Jack Grealish is believed to be eager to join Newcastle United in an attempt to revive his flagging career. The England international has found himself on the fringes at Manchester City this season following a string of disappointing performances.
Injuries have also played a part in stalling his progress after he was far more instrumental in City's Treble-winning 2022/23 campaign. Chronicle Live reported last month that Grealish had been offered to Newcastle, sparking rumours of a summer transfer away from the Etihad.
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Despite being bought from boyhood club Aston Villa for a record-breaking £100million in 2021, the winger's market value has significantly plummeted. Insiders close to Grealish have indicated that the player is now receptive to a move to Tyneside.
The 29-year-old and his team believe Eddie Howe's approach could be the key to reigniting his form in a crucial season culminating with the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Grealish was notably absent from Thomas Tuchel's first Three Lions squad this week for the qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
Instead, he will be a spectator as Anthony Gordon, Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen and Marcus Rashford compete for the wide attacking positions in the German's first line-up since taking the reins. Grealish was a key man in Lee Carsley's squads when the interim manager took over for four games following Gareth Southgate's departure.
Pep Guardiola and Jack Grealish
Pep Guardiola has apologised to Grealish for his lack of game time(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel overlooked Grealish in his first England squad
However, his lack of minutes for City this season has seen him left out of Tuchel's plans. The prospect of missing another major tournament, after being overlooked by Southgate from the Euros last summer, is forcing Grealish to ponder a change of scenery this summer.
Pep Guardiola has even apologised to Grealish for his lack of game time. Asked how tough it was to leave Grealish – who has not started a Premier League game since December – on the bench again, the City boss said: “I feel so sorry for all of the players who don't play."
Meanwhile, Magpies legend Alan Shearer has given his take on Grealish's situation. He said: "It's really tricky. First and foremost, he'll want to get back into the Man City side and only he can determine that. I don't know what's happening or not happening in training.
"You hear one or two bits from Pep Guardiola saying Jack Grealish may not be quite happy with what's happening at City. As a player, when everything is not rosy you have to think, what's best for me and what's best for the team? Do I have to get my head down and win my place back or is it best that I go elsewhere. Only Grealish will know that.
"Grealish is at a great football club and has had huge success but being left out of this England squad will be a wake-up call for him."
Jack Grealish
Grealish's World Cup hopes are in the balace(Image: Getty Images)
Former City defender Richard Dunne says Grealish must focus on regaining his City place first and foremost. The Irishman told William Hill Vegas: “He’s had a season where he hasn’t played as many minutes as he would have liked. He needs to assess that situation himself.
“If he feels that the opportunity at Man City is no longer there for him, or if he feels he’s lost the trust of Pep Guardiola, then maybe it’s time to move on.
“He’s such a talented player though, and there will be clubs all looking to bring him in. His ability to carry the ball long distances, hold onto it, and create chances is unique.
“If Grealish can get back to playing at his best, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll be back in the England squad.”
With four positions overall being targeted by Newcastle – goalkeeper, centre-half, right wing and centre forward – it seems unlikely that there will be enough budget left for Grealish unless someone else moves on. Grealish has two years left on his contract, worth an estimated £300,000 a week.
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