Jack Grealish could leave Manchester City this summer after falling down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola but his wages could prove an issue for any buyer
Manchester City are open to offers for Jack Grealish as he falls down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola - but his mega wages may prove an issue for a potential buyer.
He wasn't even named in the squad for the win over Fulham on the final day which has cast further doubt over Grealish's future. He remains City's most expensive player ever following his move from Aston Villa back in 2021, but with changes expected this summer he could become even more of a peripheral figure.
Guardiola has no issue with the 29-year-old, reports the Daily Star, but after talks between the pair it has become clear that a fresh start somewhere else would suit both parties.
City's hierarchy will be keen to recoup a significant chunk of the £100million it cost to sign Grealish in the first place. They will almost certainly have to accept a loss on that figure and a loan move has not been ruled out - with City having to stump up a significant amount of his wages.
Grealish is keen to secure a move where he can play regularly, which will aid his bid to make Thomas Tuchel's England squad for next summer's World Cup. He's currently fallen out of the picture with the Three Lions after his form dipped.
The ex-Villa man was part of the treble-winning campaign with the 2022/23 season proving to be his most effective campaign. He scored five times that year but was hugely influential in the final third. This summer he's found the back of the net in the league just once.
Guardiola is expected to make some significant signings this summer as he reacts to a first trophyless season in Manchester since his debut campaign. New faces would further limit Grealish's minutes even though leading lights like Kevin De Bruyne have moved on.
Despite that the Catalan has defended his use of Grealish and maintained there was no issue with the Englishman. He said: "Don't ask me about Jack. Who said I'm not happy with Jack? Rico [Lewis] was not selected, [James] McAtee was exceptional against Aston Villa and Wolves - why not ask me about McAtee?
"It's nothing personal with Jack. I am the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season and the next season. I am the one who said 'I want Jack Grealish'."
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