Jack Grealish Set for Manchester City Exit as Premier League Champions Slash Asking Price

Manchester City ready to take massive loss on £100m Jack Grealish in 2025 summer transfer window

When Manchester City shattered the British transfer record in 2021 to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for a staggering £100 million, few imagined the England international would be on the market just four years later — and for less than half that fee.

But football moves fast, and so too do priorities at the Etihad Stadium. Now, the treble-winning winger is reportedly available for just £40 million, with the club signalling their openness to offers as they prepare for another reshuffle under Pep Guardiola.

A Record-Breaking Move That Never Truly Sparked

Grealish’s arrival in the summer of 2021 was a marquee moment for both player and club. City had flexed their financial muscle, beating off interest from rivals and pulling in one of the Premier League’s most exciting creators. He was supposed to add a new dimension to Guardiola’s fluid, attacking system.

But despite his natural talent, silky dribbling, and undeniable charisma, Grealish never quite became the focal point many expected. He contributed in big moments — and his defensive work, pressing, and positioning all improved under Guardiola’s strict demands — yet his numbers never truly matched the expectations that came with the price tag.

Seventeen goals in 157 appearances across all competitions tell part of the story. The rest lies in Guardiola’s recent decisions — most notably, the choice to omit him from the squad entirely for the FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States. That move raised eyebrows, but for those watching closely, it was the continuation of a trend.

Premier League Champion, but Peripheral Figure

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Let’s be clear: Jack Grealish is not a flop in the traditional sense. He’s won three Premier League titles, lifted the FA Cup, and hoisted the Champions League trophy as part of City’s historic treble in 2022-23. His contribution to that treble-winning season was significant, especially during the run-in.

But Guardiola’s City is a constantly evolving machine, and not everyone remains central to the plan. With the likes of Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Bernardo Silva all vying for attacking midfield and wide roles — and with new signings reportedly inbound — Grealish’s stock has quietly slipped.

Despite having a contract that runs until 2027, the writing now appears to be on the wall. Manchester City are ready to listen to offers, and £40 million could be enough to secure a deal for a player who just three years ago was the most expensive signing in English football history.

Why Are City Letting Grealish Go?

There’s a sense that City, after a slightly more turbulent campaign in 2024-25, are looking to refresh parts of the squad — and Grealish may simply not fit the long-term vision anymore. His injury struggles, combined with inconsistent performances, have left him on the periphery more often than not.

Financially, City are aware they won’t come close to recouping the £100 million spent. But in today’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR)-driven market, clearing high earners off the books can be as important as record sales. Offloading Grealish now could free up wages and open space for fresh talent, particularly as the club continues to navigate UEFA and Premier League financial regulations.

According to the Manchester Evening News, a £40 million bid would be enough for City to consider a sale — a price that could attract a host of domestic and international suitors.

Where Next for Jack Grealish?

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That, of course, is the next big question. There’s interest within the Premier League, though perhaps not from the top tier of title contenders.

Manchester United have been linked, particularly as they look to move on from Marcus Rashford, who himself is reportedly available for a similar fee. Whether United would be willing to do business with their noisy neighbours is another matter entirely — but the idea of Grealish playing at Old Trafford isn’t as far-fetched as it once might’ve seemed.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United, West Ham, or even a romantic return to Aston Villa could be on the cards. A move abroad, perhaps to Italy or Saudi Arabia, is not out of the question either, though sources close to the player suggest he prefers to stay in England.

There’s also the question of what Grealish wants. At 29, he’s entering what should be the prime of his career. He’ll be determined to prove that the flair and spark which once made him England’s most exhilarating attacking force haven’t disappeared.

A Cautionary Tale — or a Chance for Redemption?

Jack Grealish’s story at Manchester City is likely to be remembered as one of mixed fortunes. On the one hand, he’s won everything there is to win. On the other, there’s always been a lingering sense of “what if?” — what if he had been given more freedom, more responsibility, more time?

But football rarely waits. The same club that once smashed records to bring him in is now seemingly content to cut their losses and move on.

Still, £40 million for a player of Grealish’s profile, pedigree, and personality could be a bargain — if the environment is right. There’s no doubting his technical ability, or his unique ability to draw defenders and create space. In the right system, with consistent minutes, Grealish could easily rediscover his best.

And perhaps, if he does, City will look back and wonder whether they pulled the trigger too soon.