Jack Grealish transfer developments as 'swap deal' claims and Man United problem emerge
Jack Grealish didn't see much action for Manchester City last season and is expected to be offloaded by boss Pep Guardiola this summer, with several clubs said to be interested
Jack Grealish appears to be on the brink of leaving Manchester City amid claims he could be used in a swap deal for Real Madrid's Rodrygo and interest from Napoli.
The winger, who has fallen out of favour at the Etihad Stadium, spent most of the 2024/25 season warming the bench. He featured in City's starting XI just seven times during this season's Premier League campaign.
In his 20 league appearances, Grealish managed to score just once and provide one assist. His lacklustre form resulted in the England international being omitted from City's Club World Cup squad.
Pep Guardiola is expected to wave goodbye to Grealish this summer but it's not clear where he'll end up amid rumoured interested from Newcastle, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Napoli. Spanish publication Defensa Central claim Grealish could even be used as a makeweight for Madrid's Rodrygo, who is facing an uncertain future at the Bernabeu.
However, there is no evidence yet that that would be a feasible plan, while it may be thwarted before it even gets off the ground, as UOL reports that Los Blancos' new manager Xabi Alonso is 'counting on the young Brazilian and, therefore, is against a transfer this summer'.
Guardiola does have other options for Grealish, with Serie A champions Napoli also believed to be interested in securing the winger's services, reports the Mirror.
Grealish has attracted attention from the Italian club, but his substantial £300,000-per-week salary could pose a hurdle to any potential deal. Additionally, Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho is also on their wish list.
Garnacho's potential move to Italy this summer could complicate Grealish's transfer, as Napoli might prefer the 20-year-old over the player nine years his senior.
Napoli have been active this summer, securing long-serving City icon Kevin De Bruyne on a two-year contract following his departure from the club.
Several other teams are reportedly interested in acquiring Grealish on loan. Newcastle, Everton and Tottenham may all be willing to give the winger an opportunity next season.
A dramatic return to his childhood club Aston Villa could also be a possibility for Grealish. Guardiola has acknowledged ahead of the Club World Cup, that while Grealish needs more game time, it's uncertain if this will occur at his present club.
"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," he said.
"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.
"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."
The FIFA Club World Cup will see 32 of the world's best club teams including Man City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich play across 63 games from June 14-July 13.
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