Two Italian clubs keen
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Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City looks increasingly bleak after Pep Guardiola left him out of the squad for their final Premier League clash against Fulham. The 29-year-old is Man City’s record signing and the ninth most expensive player in history but his minutes have been restricted this season. Grealish has 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 in yet another snub from Guardiola.
Speaking after City’s win over Fulham, the Spaniard conceded that Grealish’s future may lie away from the Etihad. “Of course Jack has to play,” Guardiola admitted. “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. It’s a question for Jack, his agent, and the club.” 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.
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. While Ange Postecoglou’s future remains uncertain, 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.
