Jack Grealish’s Manchester City career appears to be at a crossroads. After an underwhelming 2024 season where he failed to score a single goal, the England international is finding himself increasingly sidelined at the Etihad. Now, former England winger Chris Waddle has urged Grealish to leave Manchester City and seek a fresh challenge elsewhere to reignite his stalling career.
Grealish’s Decline at Manchester City
When Jack Grealish made his £100 million move to Manchester City from Aston Villa in 2021, he was expected to be a key figure in the club’s attack. In his first season, Grealish struggled to find consistency, but he played an important role in City’s Treble-winning campaign in 2022-23. His performances in that season were enough to secure his place in Pep Guardiola's squad and the England national team. However, 2024 has been a different story.
Grealish has been largely out of form, failing to score a goal and losing his place in the City starting XI. He was even left out of Gareth Southgate's England squad for last summer’s European Championships. This stark decline in performance has led to mounting questions over his future at the club.
Chris Waddle's Advice: Time for a Fresh Start
Former England winger Chris Waddle has voiced his concern about Grealish’s current situation, stating that it might be time for the 29-year-old to move on. Speaking to Prime Casino, Waddle emphasized that Grealish is no longer playing in his preferred position at City, where he is often deployed as a left winger instead of a more central role.
“If I were Jack, I'd want to go and play somewhere else,” Waddle explained. “He’s not a left winger. He needs to play as a No.10 or in a midfield three to get the best out of his game.” Waddle suggested that Grealish's best chance of rejuvenating his career would be to find a club willing to give him more responsibility and a central role in the team.
The Struggles at City and the Need for Regular Football
Grealish’s lack of game time at Manchester City has raised serious concerns about his fitness and morale. Waddle even claimed that Grealish's weight gain was a sign of frustration with his situation at the club. The former Villa man has started only six of City’s 20 Premier League games in 2024, which has led to his diminishing influence on the field.
Waddle continued, “When you’re not playing a lot, you need to move on. You can’t be sitting in the stands. If you're not playing regularly, it will affect your confidence. He needs to get out and start playing regular football.”
Pep Guardiola's Warning to Grealish
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also given Grealish a stark warning, stating that he faces a tough battle to regain his place in the team. “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack,” Guardiola remarked, referring to the competition Grealish faces within the squad. Guardiola emphasized that he wanted the Grealish who helped win the Treble, but only if he shows the required commitment in training and matches.
Guardiola's comments suggest that unless Grealish can rediscover his top form and fight for his spot, his future at City could be in jeopardy.
Could Grealish Be Heading for a Premier League Exit?
Given Grealish’s struggles at Manchester City and the growing frustrations surrounding his lack of playing time, many are speculating that a move away from the Etihad could be in the cards. While Grealish has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Villa, it’s clear that he needs a fresh start to recapture his best form.
A potential move to another Premier League club or a switch to a team offering him a central role could be the solution. Grealish still possesses immense talent, but he needs regular game time in a system that suits his strengths.
What’s Next for Jack Grealish?
The pressure is mounting on Jack Grealish as he faces an uncertain future at Manchester City. With his national team spot in jeopardy and his club career stalling, now might be the time for the 29-year-old to take control of his future and seek a new challenge that offers him a chance to rediscover his best form.