‘Jack Grealish sources share behind-scenes update amid Man City issues’
Jack Grealish sources have shared an update on the Man City player’s issues at the club, reports The Athletic.
Man City signed Jack Grealish for much fan-fare in 2021, with the Englishman costing a club-record £100million from Aston Villa [Sky Sports].
The club has experienced the most successful period in their history during that time, winning three Premier League titles and one Champions League.
However, those close to Grealish have indicated that this past year has been a struggle for the England international.
The former Villa man has suffered from niggling injuries and a struggle to rediscover his rhythm, Grealish also suffered the after being left out by Southgate for Euro 2024.
Grealish has also dealt with a break-in at his home in 2023, and became a father in September, a “special moment”, but something that can be difficult to deal with as a footballer expected to give everything he has at the highest level.
Those close to him also take issue with the “Jack the Lad,” caricature that is prescribed to the winger as it can make fans unsympathetic to his struggles, and his lack of playing time for both City and England have affected him deeply.
Those sources however, do recognise that the winger has not performed at the levels expected of him, and they talk of Grealish’s gratitude to his manager and acknowledge his need to work hard and regain his trust.
Jack Grealish could leave Man City in search of regular playing time
The union between Grealish and Pep Guardiola always looked like an uncomfortable one.
The former Barcelona manager is known for his tactical rigidity, requiring players to play with specific instructions, something that a player like Grealish struggles with.
His time at Aston Villa was characterised by moments of brilliance, be it weaving runs from his own half or goals from improbable angles, the English winger performed best when given licence to do what he wanted.
Grealish’s poor performances have since led to rumours of an exit from City, Stefan Borson, Man City’s former financial advisor, exclusively told Football Insider that Grealish was likely to leave for free when his contract with the Citizens expires.
The likelihood is that any move before the end of his contract will have to be a temporary one, or Grealish will have to accept a pay cut as his £300,000-a-week wage has been a stumbling block to any move away from the Manchester-based club.
