Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City has been cast into serious doubt following his omission from the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 17, 2025, prompting intense speculation, a public apology from Pep Guardiola, and ongoing discussions about the player’s role at the club. The £100million signing from Aston Villa in 2021, Grealish has struggled to secure a consistent starting spot, with only seven Premier League starts this season and a mere four goals and two assists since the 2023/24 campaign. His snub in the FA Cup final, where Guardiola opted for Claudio Echeverri and Ilkay Gundogan as substitutes during a 1-0 loss, has been labeled the “final straw” by pundits like Alan Shearer, who declared on *The Rest is Football* podcast, “His time is up at Man City, he has to leave… Pep’s done with him.”[]
Guardiola has publicly apologized to Grealish for his limited playing time, acknowledging the winger’s frustration. In comments reported by The Mirror, Guardiola said, “I feel so sorry for all of the players who don’t play,” emphasizing that no player, including Grealish, is content with being benched. He clarified that the decision isn’t personal, stating, “It’s not [only] Jack… They are here to play, and when they don’t, they are not satisfied.” However, Guardiola’s actions have fueled debate, particularly after a public dressing-down of Grealish following a 0-0 draw against Arsenal in March 2024, which drew criticism for being performative. Guardiola sarcastically responded to detractors, saying, “I do it for the cameras, my ego,” defending his on-pitch critiques as coaching moments.[
Grealish’s cryptic “Ready” Instagram post before facing Aston Villa in April 2024 hinted at his determination to fight for his place, but his lack of minutes and exclusion from England’s squad under Thomas Tuchel underscore his struggles. Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have suggested Grealish has played too cautiously at City, failing to replicate his Villa flair, with Richards noting, “I don’t feel like we’ve seen the real Jack Grealish.” Posts on X, like one from @UcheAmako, argue that Guardiola’s preference for a 19-year-old debutant over Grealish in the FA Cup final signals a lack of trust, urging the winger to seek a move to “rediscover himself.”[
Guardiola has deferred decisions on Grealish’s future to the club’s hierarchy, including outgoing director Txiki Begiristain and incoming Hugo Viana, stating, “What is going to happen will happen, but he has to come back to start to play minutes again.” With two years left on his contract and interest in a squad overhaul—prompted by City’s “really bad season,” as noted by Bernardo Silva—Grealish’s time at the Etihad appears precarious. Shearer’s blunt advice and fan sentiment on X suggest a summer exit could be imminent for the 29-year-old to salvage his career.[
