Five transfers for Jack Grealish to revive career as he struggles at Man City and Pep Guardiola questions his ‘shape’
JACK GREALISH could be set for a January transfer after struggling for form and fitness at Manchester City.
The winger has not scored for City since December 2023 and has been overlooked by Pep Guardiola since returning from injury in November.
He has started just six Premier League games this season with youngster Savinho often preferred over him.
The Brazilian produced two assists in City’s win over West Ham at the weekend, with Guardiola questioning Grealish’s “shape” after the match.
He said: “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack and that’s why I played him.
“Do I want the Jack that won the Treble? Yeah. I want it. But I try to be honest with myself for that.”
Rumours are circulating that a January move could be on the cards for Grealish, with a number of clubs linked.
SunSport takes a look at five possible destinations for the England star.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta wants to “add more firepower” to his team this January with Bukayo Saka set to be sidelined with injury for a number of weeks.
He has raided former club City on multiple occasions, with Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko joining along with another ex-Etihad star, Raheem Sterling.
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Sterling’s move has not worked out with just two Prem starts, so Arsenal could look to Grealish.
However Arteta may be keen to bring in a right-sided player as he has Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli available as options on the left.
Tottenham
Spurs have been linked with a move for Grealish for several years, and are now said to be keeping tabs on the 29-year-old.
With Son Heung-min looking past his peak this season and Timo Werner misfiring, Grealish could be a good fit in North London.
Tottenham are reportedly interested in striking a loan deal that would see City cover a large chunk of his £300,000-a-week wages, which could prove a stumbling block in a potential permanent deal.
Spurs are in need of a lift as they sit 12th in the Prem, although remain in the Carabao Cup and Europa League, so would benefit from the addition of Grealish.
Newcastle
Newcastle are on the march towards Europe and Grealish would be a marquee signing for the Magpies.
There was friction in the summer as the club failed to land a major signing for Eddie Howe, who wanted to bring in a right winger and England star Marc Guehi.
Newcastle are another club who are said to be monitoring Grealish’s situation and they could decide to strike if he is allowed to leave.
But like Arsenal they could decide to prioritise a right winger with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes available on the left, particularly as they are still yet to replace the outgoing Miguel Almiron.
Aston Villa
A return to his boyhood club could be welcomed by Grealish but it would no doubt split the fanbase.
The winger was heavily booed on his most recent return to Villa Park last month, leading his dad to hit out at the “disrespect” on show.
Grealish reacted to the boo boys by holding up three fingers to remind supporters of how many Premier League titles he has won.
However he could be tempted by a move with Villa playing in the Champions League and challenging for the top four.
John McGinn has played out of position on the left in recent weeks so Villa are crying out for someone of Grealish’s ilk, although they could sign Borussia Dortmund‘s Donyell Malen instead according to Fabrizio Romano.
Man Utd
A move across Manchester would be a real turn up for the books but it could appeal to all parties.
Grealish would not have to up sticks and move while City would likely be able to get a large chunk of his salary off the wage bill – if he left permanently or on loan.
He could also fit into Ruben Amorim‘s 3-4-3 system as a flexible winger/No10, a position Grealish has operated in throughout his entire career.
Whether City would let him leave to a fierce rival is another question – the last direct transfer between the clubs was Carlos Tevez in 2009.