Jack Grealish set for Club World Cup snub as Man City consider summer sale

Jack Grealish appears to be nearing the end of his Manchester City journey. According to The Athletic, the 29-year-old is expected to be left out of City’s squad for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a move interpreted as a sign that his time under Pep Guardiola may be drawing to a close.

Second underwhelming season in a row

Across the 2024/25 season, Grealish made 32 appearances in all competitions, starting just 16 games. His Premier League involvement was limited to 20 matches, mirroring his previous campaign. He registered 3 goals and 5 assists this term, following a 3-goal, 3-assist output the year before. For a player who arrived in 2021 with a British record transfer fee of £100 million, the numbers fall well short of expectations.

Guardiola’s message is clear

Grealish’s absence from City’s final Premier League fixture against Fulham raised eyebrows. According to The Athletic, he is believed to be no longer central to Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans, and his exclusion from the Club World Cup squad appears to confirm that shift in status.

Contract and salary details

The England international remains under contract until 2027. As reported by Capology, Grealish earns £300,000 per week, with a gross annual salary of £15.6 million—ranking him among City’s and the Premier League’s top earners.

Is the end near at Etihad?

Since joining Manchester City, Grealish has delivered 17 goals in 157 appearances. While he has produced moments of class, his overall impact has not matched the club’s financial outlay or tactical ambitions. With Guardiola planning a squad refresh ahead of the 2025/26 season, Grealish is widely expected to be among the high-profile names on the move.

Interest from England and beyond

According to The Sun, Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Aston Villa are all monitoring the situation. Former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has publicly encouraged the club to bring him home, as noted by Inside Futbol.

Overseas, OneFootball reports that Inter Milan and Napoli are also interested, with the latter seeking to add Premier League experience to their forward line. Meanwhile, Football Insider claims that several Saudi Pro League clubs are considering a move, while Goal adds that MLS teams have begun exploratory talks.