Manchester City Ready to Sell Star as Chelsea Consider Summer Move | OneFootball

Jack Grealish Set to Leave Manchester City as Chelsea Eye Potential Move

Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City appears uncertain, with the England international reportedly preparing for a summer exit. As reported by TEAMtalk, Grealish, who has been with the club since 2021, could be on his way out as City looks to shake up their squad. His potential departure has opened the door for a move to Chelsea, among other top clubs, though his high wage demands may present a significant challenge for interested parties.

Grealish’s Mixed Tenure at Manchester City

Since joining Manchester City for a British-record £100 million in the summer of 2021, Grealish’s time at the Etihad has been a mixed experience. While the 29-year-old has won multiple Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and a Champions League, his individual performances have often fallen short of the lofty expectations placed upon him. Despite being highly rated by City manager Pep Guardiola, who has praised Grealish for his “fighting spirit” and his ability to thrive under pressure, the winger has failed to cement a regular place in the starting XI.

Photo: IMAGO

This season, Grealish has made just six starts in the Premier League, a clear indication that Guardiola has not fully trusted him to be a key contributor. While Grealish’s technical ability and flair have been visible at times, his overall impact has been inconsistent. This has led to speculation about his future at the club, with City reportedly open to selling him in the upcoming transfer window.

Interest from Top Clubs

Grealish’s potential exit from Manchester City has sparked interest from several top clubs, including Chelsea, Newcastle United, and AC Milan. According to TEAMtalk, the Blues are one of the clubs mentioned as a possible destination for the winger. Chelsea, who have been focusing on signing young, promising players, could make an exception in Grealish’s case, especially given their previous signing of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City at the age of 27.

Photo IMAGO

However, the biggest obstacle for interested clubs is Grealish’s substantial salary, reported to be £300,000 per week at Manchester City. This figure is likely to be prohibitive for many clubs, especially when considering the financial constraints imposed by Financial Fair Play regulations. Despite this, Grealish’s pedigree and experience at the highest level make him an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options.

Grealish’s Departure and City’s Plans for Wirtz

TEAMtalk also reveals that Manchester City’s plan is to sell Grealish and use the proceeds to fund a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. Wirtz, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder, has impressed in the Bundesliga, with 15 goals and 13 assists in 39 appearances this season. Sources suggest that Wirtz is eager to play under Guardiola and join the Premier League champions. His potential arrival would be a significant upgrade for City’s midfield, adding youth, creativity, and attacking flair to an already star-studded squad.

However, City faces stiff competition for Wirtz from Bayern Munich, and Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly reluctant to part with their prized asset. Nonetheless, Wirtz is a player who could fit perfectly into Guardiola’s system, and City’s interest in him highlights their intent to continue building a squad capable of dominating Europe.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester City, the potential departure of Jack Grealish is both disappointing and understandable. While Grealish undoubtedly has moments of brilliance, his consistency has often been a concern. For £100 million, one would expect a player to be an automatic starter in such a successful team, and unfortunately, Grealish has not been able to provide that level of consistency week in, week out.

The decision to sell Grealish and move for Florian Wirtz seems like a natural progression for City. Wirtz represents the future of European football, and his versatility in the attack would complement City’s fluid playing style. While Grealish’s experience in big games and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations have been valuable, City’s need for more dynamic and consistent contributions in attack outweighs Grealish’s individual talents.

Ultimately, Grealish’s departure may be the right decision for both the player and the club. It would allow Grealish to regain his form at a club where he can be more central to the team’s plans, and it would give Manchester City the opportunity to invest in a younger, more dynamic player who can thrive in Guardiola’s system for years to come.