Miguel Delaney shares shock rumour that’s now ‘floating around’ in blow for Newcastle
The future of Jack Grealish has become one of the most intriguing subplots of the upcoming transfer window, with Newcastle United emerging as surprise contenders for the Manchester City outcast.
After a season spent largely on the periphery of Pep Guardiola’s plans, the £100 million winger finds himself at a career crossroads – and St James’ Park could represent an unexpected lifeline.
Grealish’s fall from grace at the Etihad has been as rapid as it has been surprising. Just twelve months after being an integral part of City’s historic treble-winning campaign, the 28-year-old has become increasingly marginalised, managing just 14 Premier League starts this term.
Such limited opportunities have inevitably sparked speculation about his future, with Newcastle reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
What makes this potential move so fascinating is the financial dynamics at play. While Grealish could reportedly be available for as little as £38 million – less than half what City paid Aston Villa in 2021 – his astronomical wages present a significant stumbling block.
The England international is believed to earn around £300,000 per week, nearly double the salary of Newcastle’s current highest earner Bruno Guimarães. For a club that has carefully managed its wage structure under PIF ownership, this would represent a dramatic departure from their usual recruitment strategy.
Alan Shearer, Newcastle’s record goalscorer, has publicly advised Grealish to seek pastures new. “He needs to play football,” the Match of the Day pundit recently stated, echoing the growing consensus that Grealish’s career is stagnating at City. However, Newcastle may face stiff competition from an unlikely source – Manchester United.
Reports from The Independent’s Miguel Delaney suggest whispers are circulating about a potential shock switch across the Manchester divide. Such a move would be unprecedented in recent years, with Owen Hargreaves in 2011 being the last player to directly transfer between the two rivals.
The mere suggestion of this possibility indicates how seriously City may be considering cutting ties with their record signing.
A closer examination of Grealish’s statistics reveals why his stock has fallen. After contributing 16 goal involvements during City’s treble season, his output has halved this campaign (8 goal involvements in 32 appearances).
His dribbling success rate has dropped from 2.7 completed per game in 2022/23 to just 1.4 this season, while his chances created have similarly declined from 1.9 to 1.1 per match. These diminishing returns have seen him fall behind Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden in Guardiola’s pecking order.
For Newcastle, the Grealish dilemma encapsulates their broader strategic questions. The Saudi-backed ownership has predominantly targeted emerging talents like Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon – players with resale potential who fit Eddie Howe’s high-intensity system. Grealish, approaching his late twenties with a checkered fitness record, would buck this trend.
Yet there’s no denying his quality when fully fit and firing. Grealish remains one of the Premier League’s most accomplished dribblers and would bring invaluable big-game experience to Tyneside.
His ability to retain possession under pressure and draw fouls in dangerous areas could prove particularly valuable in European competition.
An alternative option being floated is a season-long loan deal, which would allow Newcastle to assess Grealish’s suitability without committing to his substantial wages long-term.
This approach would mirror their successful acquisition of Matt Targett before making his move permanent.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle’s interest is genuine or merely speculative. Should they pursue Grealish, it would signal an intriguing shift in their transfer policy – potentially heralding a new phase where established stars complement their core of young talent. Alternatively, their reluctance to meet his wage demands could reinforce their commitment to their current model.
One thing is certain: Grealish’s next move will be one of the summer’s most talked-about transfers. Whether it’s to Newcastle, Manchester United or elsewhere, the mercurial winger desperately needs a fresh start to rediscover the form that once made him English football’s most expensive player.
For Newcastle, the decision to pursue him or not will speak volumes about their ambitions and the direction they envision for the club’s future.
As the rumor mill continues to turn, one can’t help but wonder if St James’ Park might provide the perfect stage for Grealish to reignite his career – or if the bright lights of Old Trafford might prove too tempting to resist. Whatever the outcome, this transfer saga promises to be one of the most compelling of the summer window.