Jack Grealish Set for Manchester City Exit After Club World Cup Snub

Jack Grealish’s time at Manchester City might be ending. The England midfielder is not part of the squad for the Club World Cup in the United States.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester City left Jack Grealish out of their Club World Cup squad. The £100 million signing from Aston Villa in 2021 can now talk to other clubs. Pep Guardiola’s team is preparing for the tournament in the US. They will start against Moroccan club Wydad AC in Philadelphia on June 18. Grealish will not go with the team to their Florida training camp next week.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Grealish is not in the Club World Cup squad after a tough season. The 29-year-old was key to City’s treble win in the 2022-23 campaign. But he hasn’t played much in the last two seasons. He started only seven Premier League games last season. His role in the team seems much smaller now. City finished the Premier League season well. Their 2-0 win over Fulham on the last day secured a Champions League spot for next season.

The midfielder has two years left on his contract, which is reported to pay him £300,000 per week. It expires in June 2027. But Guardiola made his stance clear after the Fulham game. He said, “Of course Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn’t happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it. With us or another place.”

WHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH?

City seems ready to let Grealish go after four seasons. The focus is now on where the England international will go next. At 29, Grealish still has years left in his career. He has won many trophies with City. This experience makes him appealing to clubs wanting to boost their midfield.

Manchester City are planning for a future without Grealish. They reportedly have a deal with AC Milan for midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for €57 million, which could rise to €70 million with add-ons. City’s attention is on the Club World Cup now. They’ll play Wydad AC, Al Ain, and Juventus in Group G. They aim to win another trophy under Guardiola’s management.