Jack Grealish looks set to be left out of Manchester City's squad for the Club World Cup and is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer, four years after joining from Aston Villa
Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish's future is up in the air at the moment(Image: Getty Images)
Jack Grealish's future at Manchester City is hanging in the balance amid reports he's going to be left out the team's Club World Cup squad.
The former Aston Villa ace has endured a turbulent spell over the last two seasons, having fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola. The 29-year-old – who made a £100million switch to City in 2021, becoming the most expensive British player at the time – was instrumental in their treble-winning campaign in 2023.
However, Jeremy Doku has since usurped him as Guardiola's preferred starter on the left wing, and following their final Premier League match of the season, a 2-0 victory against Fulham, Guardiola conceded that Grealish needed more minutes, suggesting a summer departure could be on the cards.
"Of course Jack has to play. He's an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days," Guardiola said. "It didn't happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it, and that's with us, or another place. And that's a question for Jack, his agent, and the club."
Guardiola's apparent decision to leave him out of the traveling squad the Club World Cup is a major sign that the end could be near, leaving Grealish needing to explore other options. His £300,000-per-week salary could make a transfer complicated, but several potential high-profile moves could nonetheless be on the table.
Here, Birmingham Liveruns through five possible options for the England international, as he prepares for the next step of his career.
Tottenham Hotspur
Jack Grealish and James Maddison
Jack Grealish could link up with England pal James Maddison at Tottenham
Before his blockbuster move to Manchester, Tottenham were very interested in Grealish, submitting a £25m offer for the then-Championship player back in 2018. Fast forward seven years, and Grealish has evolved into a decorated superstar, boasting three Premier League crowns, a Champions League title and an FA Cup medal.
Tottenham are aiming to build on their Europa League triumph and will be competing in the Champions League next season. The club, who are a little light on firepower in attacking areas, could be drawn to Grealish's direct style and ability to beat defenders with creativity and speed.
With Timo Werner's loan coming to an end, Spurs are in need of a new wide option, particularly with the future of loanee Mathys Tel unclear and Son Heung-min entering the final weeks of his current deal.
Grealish's versatility means he could also feature centrally, providing much-needed depth at No. 10, especially as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have both been sidelined by injuries in recent months.
Villa return
Unai Emery
A sensational return to Aston Villa could be on the cards, if Unai Emery's up for it
In what would be the most romantic move, a reunion with his boyhood club could be on the cards. Despite a few frosty receptions since his departure, Villa still holds a special place in Grealish's heart, given he joined the club when he was six years old.
The midfielder made 213 appearances for the Birmingham side, making his senior debut in 2013/14, experiencing both relegation and promotion back to the top tier in 2018/19. Villa pocketed a club-record £100m when Grealish moved to City, and while a permanent transfer may be out of reach financially, a loan switch could be on the table.
With Marcus Rashford unlikely to extend his stay following a loan spell, Grealish could slot into the squad as a capable replacement. Beyond Rashford, Morgan Rogers appears to have a firm grip on a starting role, albeit on the right flank, which means Grealish would be competing with the likes of Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey for a spot on the left-hand side.
Everton
David Moyes
David Moyes can offer Jack Grealish regular first-team football at Everton
A fresh start under David Moyes could appeal to Grealish, especially with the promise of regular first-team action at Everton who are currently short on wing depth.
Iliman Ndiaye was a standout performer in the 2024/25 season on the left, netting 11 times across all competitions, but Moyes will be eager to add strength in depth as the Toffees gear up for their inaugural campaign at their new home.
With Jack Harrison's loan ending, Moyes is expected to bring in reinforcements to help Everton avoid another survival scrap. According to The Athletic, Everton is "an interesting possibility" for Grealish, given their urgent need for reinforcements and the appealing proximity to Grealish's hometown.
The move would, however, represent a steep drop down in terms of standing. Everton, while showing improvement under Moyes, haven't finished above 10th since 2018/19, and have spent much of the past four seasons dangerously close - and sometimes in - the relegation zone. Additionally, they aren't playing European football next season either, which might deter Grealish.
Saudi Arabia
Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish could follow Ivan Toney's lead and move to Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Pro League continues to target elite Premier League talent and could now set their sights on Grealish, after unsuccessful attempts to land Bruno Fernandes and Mohamed Salah.
They've already succeeded in recruiting Ivan Toney, and now may believe they can tempt another England regular with a lucrative proposal. Toney's positive stint with Al-Ahli has enhanced the league's image, which was once seen merely as a destination for players looking for large, late-career paydays.
With Thomas Tuchel calling up Toney to the national team, Saudi officials now feel confident that their league is gaining international recognition. According to Sky Sports, Grealish is firmly on the league's radar, with clubs "considering" a move this summer.
Stay at Man City
Pep Guardiola and Jack Grealish
Grealish could end up staying at Man City, particularly given how high his wages are
Despite the swirling rumours, there remains a possibility that Grealish stays at the Etihad Stadium and fights to reclaim his place. Still contracted until 2027, his hefty wages could deter potential buyers, making staying put a realistic - if somewhat undesirable - option.
City might have to subsidise a portion of his pay for any loan deal, and the player himself may be reluctant to accept a reduced salary elsewhere. Grealish saw action in 32 matches across all tournaments last season, scoring three times, though just 16 of those came as a starter.
Sky Sports recently reported that due to his transfer fee and wage demands, Grealish might find it challenging to secure a new club before the end of the window – possibly even needing to wait until deadline day.
If a transfer proves too complex, he may be left with no alternative but to stay put and challenge for more game time under Guardiola.