Things have taken a surprising turn for Jack Grealish at Manchester City.
Just two years ago, he was lifting trophies as part of City’s historic Treble-winning squad.
Fast-forward to summer 2025, and he’s been left out of the Club World Cup squad — with whispers now growing louder that a loan move might be his only way out.
No Bites in the Transfer Market
Despite being one of the most expensive British players ever, with City spending £100 million to bring him in from Aston Villa in 2021, there are currently no takers willing to buy him outright.
According to The Guardian, City are open to letting the 29-year-old leave on loan if no permanent deal can be struck.
Grealish still has two years remaining on a contract that reportedly pays him £300,000 per week before tax.
But after a disappointing season where he only started seven Premier League games, interest seems lukewarm — especially from clubs struggling to meet financial regulations.
Left Out in the Cold by Pep
The clearest sign yet of Grealish’s uncertain standing came when Pep Guardiola omitted him from the 27-man squad heading to the United States for the Club World Cup this summer.
All of City’s new summer signings — Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait Nouri, and Marcus Bettinelli — made the cut. Grealish did not.
Sources close to the club say the exclusion is meant to give him time to sort out his future — whether that means staying in England or heading abroad.
Heartbreak on the International Front
On top of club woes, Grealish has also found himself out of the England picture.
Since Thomas Tuchel took over the national team, Grealish hasn’t made the squad.
The former Bayern boss has reportedly told him that regular playing time is essential if he wants to be part of future plans.
Being left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad was a particularly painful blow.
Grealish later admitted it was “the most difficult thing I have had to deal with in my career.”
A Glimmer of Emotion Last Season
Despite his struggles, Grealish did have a powerful moment on the pitch last season.
In April, he ended a 16-month Premier League goal drought by scoring against Leicester.
The goal came on the 25th anniversary of his baby brother’s death — a deeply emotional milestone for the winger.
Potential Suitors Line Up
So who might take a chance on him? While financial concerns are limiting many clubs, both in England and abroad, a handful are reportedly keeping tabs.
Everton are one of the domestic teams interested, while Bayer Leverkusen have also been mentioned — especially as they prepare to lose star attacker Florian Wirtz to Liverpool.
Still, given Grealish’s wages and transfer history, a loan deal might be the most realistic scenario for everyone involved.
City Want to Find the Right Fit
City aren’t pushing Grealish out the door, but Guardiola made it clear that conversations are ongoing behind the scenes.
After Grealish was left out of the squad for the final league game against Fulham, the manager said the club would collaborate with him and his representatives to figure out a suitable move.
Kyle Walker Also Set to Leave
In a related story, it looks like Kyle Walker has played his last game for City.
The 35-year-old defender joined AC Milan on loan in January, and despite having one year left on his contract, he’s expected to move on permanently this summer.
Walker’s departure follows off-field controversy, after it was revealed he fathered two children with Lauryn Goodman while married to Annie Kilner. Fenerbahce are rumoured to be one of the clubs interested in giving him a fresh start.