While most of his Manchester City teammates are soaking up the sun in Ibiza, Rome, and Turkey, Jack Grealish is lacing up his boots early.
The 29-year-old winger is making a solo return to training — and not just to keep fit, but to prove a point and push for a fresh start away from the Etihad.
Training Alone to Spark a Move
Grealish is heading back to pre-season training a full week before the rest of the squad.
Unlike the others enjoying their off-season breaks, he wasn’t part of City’s Club World Cup campaign — having been left out of Pep Guardiola’s 27-man squad after a rocky season.
This move is no small gesture. He’s reportedly been working hard all summer with personal trainer Jamie Reynolds to stay in shape.
Now, he’ll be hitting the training pitch alone, hoping to reignite his career elsewhere — a quiet yet bold statement to both the club and potential suitors.
From Record Signing to Uncertain Future
It’s a sharp contrast from when Grealish signed for City four years ago in a record-breaking £100 million move from Aston Villa.
That hefty price tag came with high expectations, but in the last couple of seasons, Grealish has struggled for minutes — and for a consistent role in Guardiola’s high-octane side.
According to reports, he was told earlier this summer that he’s free to leave, but no transfer has materialised yet.
Now, his future hangs in the balance with time ticking down to the new Premier League season.
Sun, Sand, and Squad Holidays
While Grealish is grinding away, his teammates are making the most of their time off.
Ruben Dias was seen relaxing with girlfriend Maya Jama in Ibiza, Erling Haaland attended a Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Rome with his partner, and Nathan Ake shared news of his fourth child.
Ilkay Gundogan is spending family time in Turkey, while Brazilian forward Savinho is also enjoying some well-earned downtime.
Meanwhile, Grealish is working in solitude — a lonely but telling image.
Guardiola Opens the Door for an Exit
Even Pep Guardiola has made it clear: Grealish needs to play more.
Speaking candidly, the City boss admitted it’s in everyone’s best interest for Grealish to move on.
“Jack is an exceptional player,” Pep said. “The only reason he didn’t play last season was because of my decisions.
We decided he needs to play regularly again — like he did in the Treble year or back at Villa.
He deserves to feel those butterflies every three days.”
City are reportedly open to loan offers if a permanent move doesn’t come through, with clubs like Napoli, Everton, and West Ham showing interest. But his £300,000-a-week wages are proving to be a major hurdle.
England Dreams on Hold
Grealish’s struggles haven’t just affected his club career — they’ve cost him a place in the national team, too.
New England boss Thomas Tuchel has already told him he won’t get a look-in unless he’s playing regularly.
Being left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad was a crushing blow.
Grealish himself called it “the most difficult thing I’ve had to deal with in my career.” With 39 caps already, he’s desperate to get back in the mix.
Still Loved by the City Faithful
Despite the looming exit, Grealish hasn’t lost the affection of City fans.
Just last week, he was spotted at an Oasis gig at Heaton Park, chatting and taking selfies with supporters.
“You know what? I love City more than anything,” he told one fan.
“And do you know what I love more than anything? City fans. They’re the best fans in the world.”
It’s clear the love still runs deep — even if a breakup feels inevitable.
A Summer Holiday with a Twist
Earlier in the summer, Grealish did manage to squeeze in a sunny escape to Greece — but even that wasn’t drama-free.
He accidentally went viral after being tricked into signing off on a stranger’s restaurant bill.
In a cheeky TikTok video, a prankster handed Grealish the bill under the guise of asking for an autograph.
Grealish, ever obliging, signed it without realising he was apparently footing the cost.
It was all in good fun, but it summed up his summer — unpredictable, awkward, and a bit surreal.