Jack the lad: Could the Club World Cup prove Grealish's salvation?
Conjecture surrounds Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City as the FIFA Club World Cup comes into clear focus – and you can watch every game live on DAZN.
It’s certainly fair to say Grealish has not always scaled the heights he was expected to since becoming City’s £100million record signing in August 2021.
The England midfielder was left on the bench for City’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace and then omitted from Pep Guardiola’s squad altogether for the final-day Premier League victory at Fulham.
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That has fuelled more speculation about whether Grealish could be sold this summer after being reduced to the role of bit-part player at City.
Guardiola said after City’s win at Craven Cottage: “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.”
FIFA Club World Cup 2025
FIFA Club World Cup 2025
The ex-Aston Villa star has scored just four Premier League goals across the past two seasons and has become accustomed to being a substitute.
Nevertheless, Grealish still has talent to spare and the opportunity to perform at the FIFA Club World Cup may be just what he needs to shine.
Grealish will hope to secure a place in Guardiola’s plans in the US and prove that he deserves to stay to be a part of City’s rebuild next season.
The gifted playmaker turns 30 in September and, with two seasons left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, he is heading towards a crossroads in his career.
Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish
It's expected that Guardiola will continue with a major overhaul of his squad this summer after City meekly surrendered their Premier League crown following a record-breaking four successive titles.
Whether or not Grealish will be amongst those sacrificed as part of the rebuild remains to be seen.
Certainly a successful Club World Cup for Grealish would give Guardiola plenty to think about and may even attract rival clubs to offer him a new chapter elsewhere.
Grealish has been here on this exalted stage before, of course.
Two years ago, when City beat Brazilian outfit Fluminese 4-0 in the final of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, Grealish played the full 90 minutes in Saudi Arabia.
There have been glimpses from Grealish this season which suggest that he remains a special talent – but not enough.
When Grealish scored in City’s 2-0 home win over Leicester in early April, it marked his first Premier League goal in 16 months.
There was a poignancy to that strike as Grealish looked to the sky and pointed with both hands after finding the net.
It was 25 years to the day since Grealish’s younger brother Keelan died from cot death at just nine months old.
Grealish, only four at the time, is a noted family man and popular in the game for the way he interacts with fans.
But this is the start of a big 12 months for Grealish as he fights to prove his worth to Guardiola and also England boss Thomas Tuchel.
The City star was left out of Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad in March and at times his application and lifestyle have been brought into question.
Grealish needs to be playing regularly for City if he is to feature for England under Tuchel heading into next year’s World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
That will probably be Grealish’s last opportunity to play in another World Cup.
Starring at the Club World Cup is Grealish’s big chance to remain relevant amongst the game’s best players.
To prove he can still perform on the global stage, convince Guardiola that he deserves to be part of the next chapter at City and remind Tuchel of his talents heading into a World Cup year.
Watch all 63 matches of the 2025 Club World Cup live on DAZN. More information and to sign up for a free account here