What is happening with Jack Grealish amid ‘swap deal’ claims and issue with Man Utd star

Jack Grealish has been dealing with limited minutes at Manchester City in recent times, with boss Pep Guardiola prepared to make a move for his potential replacement

Jack Grealish looks set to be on his way out of Manchester City – and Pep Guardiola is reportedly preparing to offer him up in a straight swap for Real Madrid ace Rodrygo. The out-of-favour winger has spent most of the 2024/25 season on the Etihad Stadium bench, making just seven appearances in City’s starting XI during the Premier League campaign.

In 20 total appearances in the league, Grealish scored once and assisted one altogether. The lack of form meant that the England international has been left out of City’s Club World Cup squad and will not feature in their opening game against Wydad AC on Wednesday at 5pm.

Guardiola is keen to limit the losses on the £100million man, with City reportedly interested in Real’s Rodrygo in a potential swap deal. Defensa Central reports that the Spanish manager has asked the club to utilise Grealish with the ‘idea of lowering the price for the Brazilian’ winger this summer.

However, these plans may be squashed before they begin, as UOL reports that new Real boss Xabi Alonso is ‘counting on the young Brazilian and, therefore, is against a transfer this summer’.

Guardiola has got other options for Grealish, as we reported that Serie A champions Napoli are in the running for the winger’s signature.

Grealish is subject of interest from the Italian side, but his hefty £300,000-per-week wages may create a barrier in the deal transpiring. As well as this, other reports suggest that Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho is on their radar.

Garnacho may cause an issue with Grealish’s potential move to Italy this summer, as Napoli may opt for a younger star out wide in the 20-year-old, rather the man nine years his senior.

Napoli have already been shopping in the Manchester this summer, snapping up long-time City servant Kevin De Bruyne on a two-year deal following his emotional exit from the club.

There are more clubs reportedly interested in bringing Grealish on a loan move. Newcastle, Everton and Tottenham may all be prepared to give the winger a chance next season.

A sensational return to his boyhood club Aston Villa could may well be an option for Grealish, and he wouldn’t be the first big-money player to enjoy a homecoming in the Premier League.

Spurs icon Gareth Bale was given a final season at his old club in the 2020/21 season, scoring 16 goals in all competitions – and these statistics could be a welcoming sight for Grealish if he does plan on moving permanently from the Etihad Stadium in the future.

Speaking ahead of the Club World Cup, Guardiola admitted that Grealish does require more game time, but this doesn’t mean it will be with his current club in the near future. The City boss said: “Of course, Jack has to play. 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. If he stays it will be fine and he will fight like he fought from day one to make a contribution, but not today.”

Guardiola added: “It’s nothing personal with Jack. I’m the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season.”

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