Jack Grealish’s days looked numbered at Manchester City and Newcastle United have been linked.
Pep Guardiola has hinted that Jack Grealish’s future may lie away from Manchester City amid reported Newcastle United links.
A former British transfer-record signing at £100million, the 29-year-old has played just 143 minutes in the Premier League since the new year. Grealish cut a forlorn figure on the bench during last week’s FA Cup final.
To make matters worse, Guardiola axed the winger completely from the matchday squad for their final Premier League game against Fulham. This came days after Grealish was the last player to leave Kevin De Bruyne’s farewell party.
Newcastle United linked with Jack Grealish
Newcastle have been linked with a possible move this summer as Eddie Howe aims to bolster his attacking options. Turning 30 in September and picking up £300,000 per week wages, it is unclear whether the Magpies would break their wage structure for an out-of-sorts Grealish.
Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes are two established left-wing options but Grealish has operated centrally. Speaking to reporters after beating Fulham, Guardiola dropped the biggest hint yet on the playmaker’s future.
Pep Guardiola drops biggest transfer hint
"It was selection," he said post-match. "The last two months, month and a half, there were five or six players at home every time and this time I decided for these guys. No more than that," he said.
"Of course Jack has to play. He's an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn't happen this season and last season either.
"He needs to do it - with us or another place. It's a question for Jack, his agent, and the club. If he stays it will be fine and he fought like he fought from day one to make a contribution but not today.”
Jack Grealish honest on ‘difficult’ season
“I just think sometimes if you’re not playing and probably not up to it in training, in your own head you just don’t feel confident. It’s been difficult.
“Especially on the back of last year, I had such a good season. I was playing a lot and was one of the main players in the team and playing in all the games and all the important games.
“This year, at the start of the season I had a dead leg which kept me out for a month and then I didn’t play too often. I don’t think my form was the best and I wasn’t playing with a lot of confidence. In the new year, I had a few injuries again as well with my groin.”
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