Despite being omitted from Manchester City's squad for the upcoming Club World Cup, Jack Grealish may still have a future with the club, according to manager Pep Guardiola. The decision to leave Grealish out of the squad has fueled speculation about a potential exit for the England international, but Guardiola's recent comments suggest that the door is not entirely closed.
Grealish's absence from the Club World Cup squad comes after a season where he struggled to maintain a consistent place in the starting lineup. He only managed seven Premier League starts in the 2024/25 season. The 29-year-old, who joined City from Aston Villa for a club-record £100 million in 2021, has found it challenging to replicate the form that made him one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League.
Several factors could be contributing to Grealish's situation at Manchester City. The competition for places in City's attacking lineup is fierce, with numerous world-class players vying for limited spots. Grealish's playing style, which relies on intricate dribbling and close control, may not always align perfectly with Guardiola's tactical approach, which often emphasizes quick transitions and precise passing.
There have been reports of Guardiola being keen to limit the losses on the £100million man, with City reportedly interested in Real Madrid's Rodrygo in a potential swap deal. However, these plans may be squashed before they begin, as new Real boss Xabi Alonso is 'counting on the young Brazilian and, therefore, is against a transfer this summer'. Guardiola also has other options for Grealish, as Serie A champions Napoli are in the running for the winger's signature.
Despite these challenges, Guardiola has publicly expressed his belief in Grealish's abilities. Speaking after leaving out Grealish for the Fulham game on the final day, Guardiola said he was 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".
If Grealish is to revive his Manchester City career, he will need to demonstrate a greater consistency in his performances and adapt his game to better suit Guardiola's tactical requirements. He will also need to show a willingness to fight for his place in the team, even when faced with stiff competition. Ultimately, whether Grealish has a long-term future at Manchester City will depend on his ability to convince Guardiola that he can be a valuable asset to the team.
