Manchester City confirmed on June 11, 2025, that Jack Grealish, the 29-year-old England midfielder, has been left out of their 27-man squad for the FIFA Club World Cup, set to begin June 14 in the United States, fueling speculation about his potential departure from the Etihad Stadium. The decision, reported by ESPN and Sky Sports, follows a season where Grealish started just seven Premier League games in 2024-25, a sharp decline from his pivotal role in City’s 2023 treble-winning campaign, per ESPN and Sky Sports.
Manager Pep Guardiola hinted at Grealish’s uncertain future after omitting him from the squad for City’s final Premier League match, a 2-0 win over Fulham, stating, “Jack has to play football every three days… It didn’t happen this season or last. He needs to do it, with us or another place,” per ESPN UK. Sources told ESPN that Grealish is permitted to explore talks with other clubs, with interest from Premier League sides like Everton and European teams, though negotiations remain early, per ESPN. His £300,000-per-week wages and two years left on his £100 million contract from Aston Villa in 2021 may necessitate a loan move due to financial constraints, per BBC.
Grealish responded defiantly on social media, countering critics by highlighting his recent form: “Haha, I’ve been bad lately? Scored 3 goals in my last 3 appearances over 45 mins,” per The Mirror. Despite his frustration, the exclusion aligns with City’s squad overhaul, including new signings Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders, all named in the squad, per ESPN Australia. Former captain Kyle Walker, recently on loan at AC Milan, was also omitted, per The Independent.
Posts on X, like @City_Xtra’s, amplified the news, reflecting fan shock and support, per @City_Xtra. With City facing Wydad AC on June 18 in Philadelphia, Grealish’s absence could pave the way for a summer transfer, crucial for regaining his England spot under Thomas Tuchel for the 2026 World Cup, per Daily Mail.
