Jack Grealish didn’t play a single minute for Manchester City in the final five matches of the season.
Jack Grealish is reportedly set to stay at Manchester City despite seeing his game time limited by Pep Guardiola in 2023/24. The Sky Blues may be powerless to prevent other important departures, however, as three long-serving players weigh up their futures.
Grealish, who cost £100million back in 2021 – a Premier League record at the time – scored only three goals, notched just one assist and made a disappointing 10 Premier League starts this term as City recorded their fourth straight title.
The 28-year-old has been included in Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad, but his underwhelming form at club level means his inclusion in the final 26-man list for Euro 2024 is under threat.
According to The Athletic, City boss Guardiola has held multiple talks with Grealish over the past 12 months in an effort to see the wide man rediscover his best form. The former Aston Villa star was superb in 2022/23, when City completed an historic treble.
At the start of May, Guardiola was said to be disappointed with Grealish’s efforts in training, and he didn’t play a single competitive minute for the remainder of the campaign. Even so, the same report states that there is ‘no chance’ of Grealish leaving the Etihad ahead of next season.
While the player has seemingly made his mind up, the same can’t be said for three other crucial members of Guardiola’s squad. First up, Ederson is reportedly weighing up a big-money offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
The ball-playing goalkeeper was due to sign a new City contract earlier this spring, and a new deal remains on the table, but his future is now under consideration. Kevin De Bruyne is not guaranteed to start next season wearing sky blue, either.
The Belgian’s entourage have reportedly reached out to MLS side San Diego FC to explore the possibility of a move to the States. De Bruyne is City’s talisman and a two-time winner of the Premier League’s Player of the Season award.
