MX23RW : Monday, April 21 20:25:20| >> :120:38767:38767:

Man City transfer news: 28-year-old 'makes decision' on exit after Guardiola praise

Change of heart? Man City 28-year-old 'performs U-turn' on future
© Imago
Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is reportedly determined to fight for his place in Pep Guardiola's side this season following talk of a possible exit.

Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is supposedly keen to stay and fight for his place in Pep Guardiola's system following talk of a possible move away.

The former Aston Villa attacker is yet to justify his £100m price tag since making his marquee move to the Etihad in 2021 and endured another difficult campaign on a personal level last season.

Grealish was an important figure in City's treble success in 2022-23, but he only managed three goals and three assists in 36 matches in the 2023-24 campaign, where he also struggled with injury.

The 28-year-old was snubbed for a place in Gareth Southgate's final England Euro 2024 squad as a result, despite being called up to the preliminary selection and impressing in their friendly win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Despite having three years left to run on his Man City contract, it was reported earlier in the summer that Grealish was pondering an exit from the Etihad in the current transfer window due to his limited opportunities under Guardiola.

Manchester City attacker Jack Grealish on May 25, 2024© Reuters

Grealish 'relishing' attacking battle with Jeremy Doku

However, Football Insider now claims that the ex-Villa protege now wants to continue in sky blue and is determined to fight for his spot in the Premier League champions' starting lineup.

Thanks to a wealth of City players being called up for the Euros and Copa America, Grealish has been a key man for Guardiola in pre-season, scoring in their 2-2 draw with Barcelona in the United States.

Grealish's performance against the La Liga powerhouses drew praise from Guardiola, who talked up the "aggressive" display of a winger who has a serious point to prove in the 2024-25 campaign.

The England international is also believed to be 'relishing' his battle with Jeremy Doku for starts on the left-hand side next term, and he also believes that he is in the best shape he has ever been in.

As a result, Grealish believes that he is capable of earning regular minutes at City next term, although he could have another change of heart in January if his playing situation does not improve.

Manchester City's Jack Grealish at the end of the first half after being substituted on February 27, 2024© Reuters

The 28-year-old has made 125 competitive appearances for the Premier League champions since becoming the most expensive British player of all time in 2021, a record that has since been broken by Declan Rice's £105m move to Arsenal.

Grealish has come up with 14 goals and 18 assists for Guardiola's side in that time, winning three top-flight titles, one Champions League, one Club World Cup, one FA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

Grealish wants to stay, but could another attacker leave?

While the Englishman is seemingly set to remain in Manchester for another few months at the very least, his fellow attacker Julian Alvarez is being strongly linked with a big-money departure.

Atletico Madrid are said to be in talks over a £70m deal for the Argentina international, who is expected to spend another season as Erling Haaland's backup next term and is now pining for more regular starts.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly rivalling the Spanish giants for the signature of Alvarez, whose recent comments about his future triggered a blunt response from Guardiola.

ID:549706:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6270:
Written by
Ben Knapton

Click here for more stories about Jack Grealish

Click here for more stories about Manchester City

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips (4) and Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish (10) warming up during the Premier League match on July 27, 2024
Read Next:
Man City midfielder tells club he wants to leave?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool33247275314479
2Arsenal331812361273466
3Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331851062441859
4Manchester CityMan City33177964422258
5Chelsea33169858401857
6Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest32176951381357
7Aston Villa3316985347657
8Bournemouth3313101052401249
9Fulham33139114845348
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton33121295353048
11Brentford33137135650646
12Crystal Palace331111114145-444
13Everton33814113440-638
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd33108153846-838
15Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33115174861-1338
16Tottenham HotspurSpurs321141760491137
17West Ham UnitedWest Ham3399153755-1836
18Ipswich TownIpswich3349203371-3821
19Leicester CityLeicester3346232773-4618
20Southampton3325262478-5411


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!