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Pep Guardiola has conceded that Jack Grealish might depart Manchester City at the end of his fourth season with the club. Grealish, who shone during City’s 2022/23 treble-winning campaign with five goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances, has since battled inconsistent form and recurring injuries. The England star, set to turn 30 in September, has logged just 605 Premier League minutes this season and suffered yet another setback, limping off during the first leg of City’s Champions League last-16 clash with Real Madrid.
Since January, Grealish has been fit but unused, warming the bench for Premier League matches against Arsenal, Brentford, Chelsea, and Liverpool, as well as Champions League ties against Club Brugge and Real Madrid. Rumblings suggest City are leaning toward a summer exit for the winger, whose progress has stalled since the treble season, leaving some to question whether he’s truly repaid the hefty fee that brought him from Aston Villa in 2021.
Ahead of City’s trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Guardiola was asked if he’d empathize with Grealish seeking a move elsewhere, given his sparse playing time and the looming 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Tuchel’s naming the England squad soon,” Guardiola said. “I get the frustration from all my players—it’s natural. They dream of World Cups and Euros with their countries. I’d be worried if they didn’t feel that way. But it doesn’t faze me. What happens at season’s end—with Jack or anyone else—we’ll deal with then. Right now, we’re focused on big goals for the club, the future, and the players. No question about that.”
Guardiola has staunchly defended Grealish in public through ups and downs, but he’s uncertain if the midfielder can reclaim his spot as City prepare to reshape their squad after a lackluster season. Speaking Friday, he added, “I want the best for everyone, not just Jack. He played really well last time out—hopefully he can find consistency. He’s a Manchester City player, no doubt there. What’s next? I can’t say.”
