Jack Grealish is poised to be omitted from the Manchester City squad that will head to the Club World Cup as his exit edges ever closer this summer following several difficult seasons
Jack Grealish is heavily linked with a Man City exit
Jack Grealish is heavily linked with a Man City exit(Image: PA)
Jack Grealish is set to be left out of Manchester City's squad for the Club World Cup as he heads closer to the Etihad exit door. The playmaker has endured a difficult campaign and is heavily linked with a summer move.
The £100million signing has struggled to live up to his price tag and is by no means a regular under Pep Guardiola, who is set to deliver another telling blow. City's top stars will head to the USA for FIFA's newly expanded tournament with Grealish likely to be absent.
The ex-Aston Villa man is the subject of interest from clubs in the Premier League and overseas with the 29-year-old aware he needs regular minutes if he wants to regain his England spot. City are open to Grealish's exit with loan and permanent moves possible, reports the Telegraph.
Guardiola made it clear on the final day of the Premier League season that the club will work with the player and his representatives to find the best solution for all involved as Grealish continues to slip down the pecking order.
City have not yet named their Club World Cup squad but the expectation is that Grealish will be a major absentee. Guardiola’s side kick off the tournament on June 18 against Moroccan club Wydad AC.
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The Manchester outfit, after a disappointing and trophyless year, have already begun their summer rebuild and are targeting players would may further limit Grealish's game time. They pushing on with the signings of AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Lyon forward Rayan Cherki - and want both men in time to take to the Club World Cup.
Grealish played a big part in City’s treble success back in 2023, which was by far his most influential campaign, but has only started 17 times across the last two seasons with his impact declining.
Jack Grealish has continued to struggle for minutes
Jack Grealish has continued to struggle for minutes(Image: Getty Images)
When quizzed about Grealish’s omission from the City squad for the final game of the season Guardiola 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 will fight like he fought from day one to make a contribution, but not today.”
Guardiola also added: “It’s nothing personal with Jack. I’m the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season. I’m the one who said I want Jack Grealish. What happens in the future is a job for Txiki [Begiristain, current director of football), Hugo [Viana, incoming director of football] and the agents.”
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