Jack Grealish Next Club: 13 Favourites to Sign Man City Midfielder

 The Jack Grealish of old, when he was on Aston Villa’s books, was one of the most exciting talents in English football: he was tricky, unpredictable and his impact in the final third, whether it was scoring goals or opening up space for others, was undeniable.

Since his Manchester City move, which cost Pep Guardiola around the £100 million mark, there seems to be a common understanding among fans that he’s lost his spark. He’s no longer playing with enviable freedom with a dark cloud over his future.

“For him (Guardiola) to bring a debutant on, a young boy (Claudio Echeverri) and Gundogan on when they’re desperate for a goal rather than Jack Grealish… his time is up, he’s done at Man City, he has to leave. Pep’s done with him, he doesn’t like him, his time is up – it really is.”

The words of striker-turned-pundit Alan Shearer ring somewhat true. Grealish is low down the pecking order at Etihad Stadium – and it might be time for all parties to look at an exit. But according to William Hill, should he leave in the summer months, which teams are best placed to secure his signature?

Napoli Labelled the Favourites

Italian club looking for a Khvicha Kvaratskhelia replacement

A fringe player at Manchester City, Grealish would be a good fit for Napoli, who have been issued odds of 7/2. They are on the verge of winning the 2024/25 Serie A – but are still lacking firepower after losing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain.

Reports, however, have suggested that Grealish’s potential move to Naples would be difficult to complete by virtue of his lofty wage demands. Whether the winger, 29, would be willing to take a pay cut remains to be seen – but that could speed up a transfer.

As things stand, the Gli Azzurri – managed by Antonio Conte – are the leading favourites to be Grealish’s next destination and the less-chaotic nature of Italian football, compared to that in England, could suit his skill set down to a tee.

A Sensational Return to Aston Villa

75 goal involvements in 213 outings for the Villa Park outfit

As alluded to, Villa Park – widely regarded as one of the best stadiums in Premier League history – was where the 39-cap England international made a name for himself. He rose through the club’s academy between 2010 and 2013 before becoming one of the senior side’s standout performers on a week-by-week basis.

In that time, he notched 32 goals and 43 assists in 213 outings in all competitions – but could a return be on the cards? Some of the Villa Park faithful still hold a grudge for the circumstances in which he left, which could stunt a deal being struck.

Unai Emery have transformed his boyhood club into a totally different entity since Grealish’s departure and, as such, performing in the Champions League could still be on offer should he return to Birmingham. It would be a story for the ages.

A Move to Milan Could Be on the Cards

AC Milan and Inter Milan issued respective odds of 12/1 and 13/2

As alluded to, the slower pace of Italian football could elicit the best of Grealish – widely regarded as one of the most disappointing Premier League players in 2024/25 – and the way he likes to take on defenders and leave them in their respective wakes.

No doubt a fantastic player, he’s more suited to playing at a slower speed – and that’s why moving to one of the San Siro-based outfits could be on the cards. Inter Milan, this season’s Champions League finalists, have been given odds of 13/2.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Throughouthis 451-game club career, Grealish has plundered a total of 60 goals and 82 assists.

Elsewhere, AC Milan were last crowned the champions of Italy in the 2021/22 season and adding Grealish to their ranks could boost their status to being one of Europe's dominant forces again. The Rossoneri, who won the Supercoppa Italiana this season, have been offered odds of 12/1.

The MLS and Saudi Pro League Potential Destinations

As professional footballers come to the end of their careers, Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Saudi Pro League (SPL) are attractive options: just ask Lionel Messi and Cristiano. It also offers a different route into retirement for young players.

The likes of Moussa Diaby, Ruben Neves and Jhon Duran have all chosen football in the Middle East over remaining in Europe – but could Grealish be the next player to be lured by the hefty amount of cash on offer in Saudi Arabia?

A move to any Saudi Arabian club has been priced at 7/1, while a move to the sunny United States is less likely at 16/1. Whether Grealish, who has notched 17 goals and 23 assists in 156 Manchester City appearances, is willing to potentially sacrifice his chance of playing for England, however, remains to be seen.

Staying in England Also an Option

Spurs, West Ham, Newcastle and Leeds among the potential destinations

In terms of Premier League clubs that could snare the signature of the out-of-favour Manchester City flankman, it’s not only Aston Villa who could welcome the Englishman over the summer trading period in the event that he looks for a new challenge.

Europa League finalists Tottenham Hotspur, who would benefit from additional talent in the forward areas, are given odds of 5/1. Newcastle United are just behind at 12/1. As Nottingham Forest look to establish themselves as top four regulars, Grealish moving to the City Ground is priced at 16/1.