Jack Grealish’s potential departure from Manchester City has gained traction following Pep Guardiola’s ambiguous comments about the winger’s future, with pundits and former players giving their approval for a transfer move. According to a May 23, 2025, Birmingham Live report, ex-Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor declared Grealish would be “silly” to remain at City, where he has fallen down the pecking order, starting only seven Premier League matches this season and being snubbed for the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 17, 2025. Guardiola, speaking post-final, as quoted by The Mirror, deferred decisions on Grealish’s future, stating, “We didn’t talk, I didn’t talk with him… These things belong to the agents and the club and Txiki [Begiristain], and in this case Hugo [Viana] as well.” This non-committal stance has fueled speculation, with Alan Shearer asserting on *The Rest is Football* podcast that Grealish “has to leave” after Guardiola opted for debutant Claudio Echeverri and Ilkay Gundogan over him in the 1-0 loss.[]
Grealish’s market value has reportedly dropped to £38-43 million from the £100 million City paid in 2021, with Newcastle United among interested clubs, per Geordie Boot Boys. Agbonlahor suggested a move to a club like Newcastle or Tottenham could revive Grealish’s career, emphasizing his need to be the “main man” again to regain his England spot, which he lost under Thomas Tuchel. However, a return to Aston Villa was ruled out by David Ornstein as a “no-go.” Despite Guardiola’s earlier praise for Grealish’s performances, such as his FA Cup start against Nottingham Forest, his limited minutes—averaging 50 per game—and just four goals since 2023/24 indicate a diminished role. Posts on X, like @ChronicleNUFC’s, highlight the transfer buzz, with fans split on whether Grealish should stay or seek a fresh start. With two years left on his contract, Grealish faces a critical summer, with his camp reportedly hurt by the FA Cup snub but hopeful for clarity in talks with City’s hierarchy.
