Jack Grealish future at Manchester City has come under fresh doubt after he was left out of Pep Guardiola’s squad for the Club World Cup in the United States. City named only 27 players from a possible 35 for the tournament, but Grealish did not make the list. This exclusion adds to growing concerns about his role in the team going forward.
Grealish, who remains Manchester City’s record signing after his £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021, has seen limited action over the past two seasons. During the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, he started just seven games. His absence from the FA Cup final, where City lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace, highlighted how far he has fallen out of favour.
In contrast, City included all four of their new signings this week—Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijani Reijnders, and Marcus Bettinelli—in the Club World Cup squad. Rodri, who returned recently from a long-term knee injury, is also named.
Notably, Grealish is not the only experienced player excluded. Kyle Walker, City’s former captain, was also left out. Walker had spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan, but the Italian club has not taken up the option to sign him permanently.
Guardiola had hinted last month that he might leave if the squad was not reduced before the new season begins. With both Grealish and Walker seemingly on the way out, the manager’s demand to trim the squad appears to be in motion.
Grealish still has two years left on his current contract and reportedly earns £300,000 a week, a wage that could deter other clubs from pursuing a deal. Despite his talent, his high salary and lack of playing time are becoming major obstacles in finding a new club.
Manchester City will begin their Club World Cup campaign on June 14 against Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia. They will also face Al Ain from Abu Dhabi and Juventus in the group stage.
