Jack Grealish Urged to Consider Move to Spain Amid Manchester City Struggles
Jack Grealish has been encouraged to seek a move to Spain as he continues to struggle for game time at Manchester City.
The 29-year-old was an unused substitute during City’s 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal on Sunday, marking yet another match spent on the sidelines. He was also left out of the starting lineup for City’s recent victories over Club Brugge in the Champions League and Chelsea in the Premier League.
Despite being City’s record signing—joining from Aston Villa for £100 million in the summer of 2021—Grealish has found it increasingly difficult to cement a place in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI. His situation has worsened with the summer arrival of Savinho and the recent signing of Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt, pushing him further down the pecking order.
While City trailed Arsenal for most of the game, Guardiola still opted against bringing on Grealish. However, former Spain international and two-time Champions League finalist Gaizka Mendieta believes the England international could reignite his career with a move to La Liga.
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football on behalf of Bet365, Mendieta was asked which English players could thrive in Spain.
“I think English players are… I’m not sure if ‘braver’ is the word, but they are more willing to go abroad, especially to Spain,” he said. “Right now, I could see Phil Foden fitting in, and also Grealish and Declan Rice.
“You could build a national team where most of them would adapt well. English football has become more international, so players are better prepared for different styles of play. The contrast isn’t as drastic as it used to be, and that makes it easier for British players to transition to Spanish football.”
Grealish has made just six starts in 15 Premier League appearances this season, contributing two goals and four assists across 22 matches in all competitions.
Reports in January suggested Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan were monitoring his situation, along with Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and his former club Aston Villa. Speculation intensified following Guardiola’s blunt remarks about the winger’s form, in which he challenged Grealish to prove himself.
At the start of the year, Guardiola stated:
“As much as [Grealish] looks at himself, he will see the competition. He has to compete with himself. Savinho is in better shape, and that’s why I played him.
“I want the Jack that won the Treble. But I have to be honest with myself. What happened with Savinho’s delivery in the box? It’s higher than the other wingers in that position.
“And they have to fight. You can say ‘OK, it’s unfair.’ If you think that, then fine. But you have to prove, ‘I’m going to fight with Savinho to deserve to play in that position.’ And every single day, every single week, every single month.”
With his City future uncertain and interest from clubs across Europe growing, Grealish may soon have a decision to make about his next move.
