Pep Guardiola has issued a clear challenge to Jack Grealish, emphasizing that the winger must fight to reclaim his place in Manchester City’s starting lineup.
According to recent statements from Guardiola, Grealish has been outshone by Savinho, who has been in better shape and form, leading to Grealish being benched in favour of the Brazilian.
Guardiola has specifically mentioned that he wants the version of Grealish who was instrumental in City’s treble-winning season, but he stresses the importance of proving his worth daily in training and matches.
This ultimatum comes after a season where Grealish has struggled with injuries and has not been able to command a regular spot in the team, making only six starts in the league this season.
Guardiola’s comments underline the competitive nature of the squad, especially with the arrival of new players like Savinho, who have added to the competition for places.
Other Manchester City transfers 2025
- Incoming Transfers:
- Savinho: Manchester City have reportedly signed the Brazilian winger from Troyes for £21 million. This move was completed in August 2024, highlighting the club’s investment in young, promising talent.
- Claudio Echeverri: Recalled from loan, though he won’t be immediately linking up with the first team.
- İlkay Gündoğan: Returned on a free transfer from Barcelona in August 2024, showcasing a move for experience and leadership within the squad.
- Outgoing Transfers:
- Julián Álvarez: Moved to Atlético Madrid for a record-breaking £81.5 million for Manchester City in terms of outgoing transfers.
- João Cancelo: Transferred to Al Hilal for £21 million, indicating a strategic shift in the squad composition.
- Sergio Gómez: Sold to Real Sociedad for £8.4 million, continuing the trend of selling players to balance the books and create space for new signings.
- Kalvin Phillips: Loaned out to West Ham until the end of the season, suggesting a temporary measure to give him playing time elsewhere.
- Aymeric Laporte: Permanently moved to Al Nassr after a long tenure at City, reflecting the club’s ongoing squad refresh.
- Transfer Interests and Rumors:
- Manchester City have been linked with several high-profile names for potential future transfers, including:
- Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco, with interest also from Atletico, PSG, Inter, and Newcastle.
- Liam Delap, where City might exercise a buy-back clause from Ipswich Town.
- Bruno Guimarães, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Martin Zubimendi, and Marc Guéhi are on an ambitious shortlist for the January transfer window.
- Ola Aina has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Kyle Walker.
These transfers and interests suggest Manchester City’s strategy of blending young talent with experienced players while also managing squad depth through both permanent and loan moves.
Remember, transfer windows are dynamic, and not all rumored interests result in actual transfers.