Newcastle ‘prepare’ loan ‘offer’ with ‘mandatory’ £67m buy clause for Man City star in ‘advanced’ deal

Newcastle United appear to be preparing one of their most ambitious transfer moves yet as reports suggest the club is working on a loan-to-buy deal for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish.

Following their dramatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League on the final day of the 2024–25 Premier League season, the Magpies are now in a stronger position than ever to attract elite talent—and Grealish, a high-profile England international, may be next on their list.

Reaching the Champions League has not only boosted Newcastle’s credibility across Europe, but it has also provided a significant injection of financial power.

The revenue from participation in Europe’s premier club competition—combined with increased visibility and commercial appeal—makes St. James’ Park a far more enticing destination for players with top-tier pedigree. And few come with more star power than Jack Grealish.

The Manchester City winger looks increasingly likely to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer. Reports from BBC Sport indicate that while both manager Pep Guardiola and the City board still hold Grealish in high regard, there’s now a mutual understanding that the time may be right for a change.

Guardiola is believed to be keen on trimming his squad, and Grealish himself, following a challenging season both on and off the pitch, reportedly agrees that a move could help him regain focus and form. It’s understood the player has reached the point where he is ready to explore a new chapter in his career.

Newcastle are now reportedly in advanced discussions to take advantage of that situation. According to claims from Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Tyneside club is not just monitoring Grealish—they’re actively preparing an offer to bring him in.

The proposed deal involves an initial loan with a mandatory purchase clause, a common structure in today’s market that allows clubs to manage Financial Fair Play (FFP) obligations while still committing to a long-term investment. In this case, the purchase clause is said to be set at €80 million, or around £67 million.

Though the transfer is not yet finalized, the conversations between the two clubs are believed to be at an advanced stage.

Both sides appear willing to find common ground, and with the summer window now open, Newcastle may be only weeks away from completing what would be one of the most talked-about signings of the summer.

Grealish, now 29, has struggled to cement a consistent place in City’s starting XI during his time under Guardiola. Despite moments of brilliance, injuries and intense squad competition have limited his ability to build long-term momentum.

For Newcastle, this represents an opportunity to acquire a player with Premier League-winning experience and international pedigree who still has plenty to offer.

The allure of working under Eddie Howe, combined with the promise of regular football and a central role in an ambitious project, could prove decisive in swaying Grealish.

Newcastle’s playing style, built on high energy, intelligent movement, and technical creativity, seems perfectly suited to the former Aston Villa star’s strengths.

Moreover, the Magpies are assembling a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, and Grealish’s arrival would signal clear intent from the ownership group to accelerate their pursuit of silverware.

Away from Newcastle’s push for Grealish, Manchester City have other internal concerns to address. Spanish midfielder Rodri has drawn interest from Real Madrid, and former City financial advisor Stefan Borson has expressed concern over the risk of losing such a key figure.

Borson pointed out that Real Madrid’s strategy of targeting top talent on free transfers could easily apply to Rodri if City fail to secure his long-term future.

Rodri’s recent injury issues only add to the complexity of his situation. While fans eagerly anticipate his return to fitness, City’s technical staff will no doubt keep a close eye on his progress.

As Borson noted, watching Rodri’s first few games back will be nerve-wracking for supporters, with hopes that he avoids setbacks.

The midfielder is widely seen as the linchpin of Guardiola’s system, and any uncertainty around his contract or health could destabilize the team’s midfield balance.

City’s fortunes last season dipped noticeably during Rodri’s absence, underlining just how vital he is to their setup. Borson emphasized the importance of securing Rodri’s commitment well in advance to prevent a scenario where the Spaniard departs on a free.

For a club as meticulous as City, allowing such a pivotal player to run down his contract would represent a rare and costly oversight.

Back on Tyneside, Newcastle continue to build quietly but purposefully. The potential acquisition of Jack Grealish is the latest evidence of their growing ambition.

With Champions League football returning to St. James’ Park and a solid domestic foundation already in place, the club’s project is reaching a new phase—one defined by bold moves and marquee signings.

If they can convince Grealish to make the switch, it could prove a turning point both for the player and for Newcastle’s continued rise in the English football landscape.