Five potential Jack Grealish transfer destinations as Pep Guardiola confirms exit

18.06.2025 - 13:45 | source: Transfermarkt | Reading Time: 3 mins

Aston Villa return?

'Best' Jack Grealish leaves Man City - Five potential transfer destinations with Napoli keen

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Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City appears over with Pep Guardiola admitting it's best for the Englishman to find a new club this summer. The 29-year-old is Man City’s record signing and the ninth most expensive player in history but his minutes were restricted last season. Grealish played just 1,521 minutes and only made seven Premier League starts with just four minutes across City’s last seven league games. The England international remained on the bench as City lost the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace and he wasn't included in Guardiola's squad for the Club World Cup.

Speaking ahead of City's first game against Wydad, Guardiola admitted that Grealish had spoken to the club hierarchy and its 'best' for him to leave. "‘He had a conversation with the club and they decided it was best. Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason why he didn't play last season is of course my decisions. We decide that he has to play. The club was honest, he was honest." Grealish’s market value has dropped to just €35 million and although his significant wages will deter some clubs, we’ve analysed five potential transfer destinations.

Jack Grealish: Five potential transfer destinations

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham have been linked to Grealish more than any other club and it makes perfect sense. Spurs will be aiming to strengthen their squad this summer and the Man City star would provide experience and quality. Grealish would perfectly suit his attacking philosophy and could play wide left or as an attacking midfielder. Tottenham also secured Champions League qualification by winning the Europa League and that will appeal to Grealish.

Newcastle United

Like Tottenham, Newcastle will also compete in the Champions League next season and would allow Grealish to play in the most prestigious club competition. It’s understood that Eddie Howe will be backed significantly in the transfer market and Newcastle could afford Grealish’s transfer fee and wage demands. One potential issue is that Newcastle already have Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes competing for the left-wing spot in Howe’s preferred 4-3-3 formation.

AC Milan

Grealish might want to embrace a new challenge and look to resurrect his career abroad. Italy would be the perfect destination and the former Aston Villa star would have plenty of suitors in Serie A. AC Milan have been linked with Grealish in recent weeks and they’ve signed numerous English players over the last few years, including the maverick’s former Man City teammate Kyle Walker.

Aston Villa

Grealish’s relationship with the Villa fans has deteriorated since his big-money departure but his sale significantly boosted the Midland’s clubs troubles with PSR and allowed them to build a strong squad. His affection for his boyhood club is well-known and a return would appeal to Grealish but it might not be viable financially. Villa’s wage to turnover ratio is a major concern and Grealish’s wages could prevent a possible return.

Napoli

Napoli are currently the bookmakers favourites to sign Grealish this summer and it would allow him to escape the press scrutiny that he receives in England. The Man City man would be well versed to look at how Scott McTominay has performed at Napoli to earn the adulation of the passionate Naples fans. Napoli are also in talks to sign Kevin de Bruyne and the slower pace of Italian football would suit Grealish’s talents.

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