Guardiola Signals Potential Summer Exit for Grealish After Club World Cup Omission

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has addressed Jack Grealish's omission from the Club World Cup squad, emphasizing that it stems from a mutual decision aimed at helping Grealish regain regular playing time and form after a challenging 2024-25 season. Despite starting only seven Premier League matches last season and facing competition for places, Guardiola maintained that Grealish remains an exceptional player with a potential future at City, though he acknowledged the possibility of the winger leaving during the summer transfer window to secure more consistent minutes. Guardiola highlighted Grealish's key contributions during City's treble-winning 2022-23 season and his impressive career at Aston Villa, stressing that the player's absence from the squad is about allowing him to refocus and find the motivation to compete every three days. While Guardiola took responsibility for Grealish's limited playtime, he denied any loss of passion on Grealish’s part and left open the option for the player to return to the club if no transfer materializes. The conversation between the club and player was described as honest and respectful, with the club prioritizing Grealish's need to play regularly to rediscover his best form. Guardiola's remarks reflect a balance between acknowledging Grealish’s current struggles and optimism about his potential revival, either at Manchester City or elsewhere.