Newcastle United offered stunning £100M star after drastic decision

Newcastle United could emerge as a potential destination for Jack Grealish this summer, with the Manchester City star’s future at the Etihad appearing increasingly uncertain.

The England international had been linked to the Magpies during the January transfer window, though Eddie Howe played down those rumors at the time. Now, with Grealish’s representatives actively exploring options for his next move, City seems willing to entertain offers for the 29-year-old winger.

The financial aspect of any potential deal remains a significant hurdle. While Manchester City once paid £100 million to secure Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021, his current market value is expected to be considerably lower.

With two years left on his contract and a weekly wage of £300,000, he would need to accept a substantial pay cut if he were to join Newcastle. Howe has publicly expressed admiration for Grealish, referring to him as an “outstanding player,” while the winger himself has acknowledged Newcastle’s rise under Howe’s leadership. In 2024, Grealish spoke highly of the Magpies, noting their strong squad and ambitious future.

Newcastle is expected to have funds available for summer reinforcements, but financial constraints mean the club would likely need to offload players to facilitate a high-profile signing like Grealish.

While St. James’ Park could appeal to the former Aston Villa captain, securing his signature may prove difficult unless Newcastle generates additional revenue through player sales or European qualification.

Other top European clubs, including Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Aston Villa, have also been mentioned as potential suitors. If Newcastle secures a Champions League spot, the need for a marquee signing becomes even more pressing.

Meanwhile, contract negotiations are intensifying with Fabian Schar as Newcastle looks to secure the future of a key defensive figure. Following contract extensions for Martin Dubravka and Emil Krafth, Schar is next on Eddie Howe’s priority list.

The Swiss center-back, who turns 34 in December, has been a mainstay in Newcastle’s backline, but discussions now center around his role moving forward. Schar retired from international football after earning 86 caps for Switzerland, choosing to focus on extending his club career.

Although he remains a first-choice option for Howe, that status could be impacted if Newcastle acquires a new center-back this summer. His representatives are now seeking clarity on his role before committing to a new deal.

Beyond first-team matters, Newcastle is also strengthening its football operations by expanding its women’s team infrastructure. The club plans to appoint a Women’s Academy manager as part of a broader effort to professionalize and develop its women’s football department.

The recruitment process follows the decision to introduce a Women’s Director of Football, supporting Becky Langley’s backroom team and focusing on long-term player development.

The job listing for the new Academy manager outlines a vision for the role, emphasizing the opportunity to lead and shape a sustainable, high-performing academy.

The selected candidate will be tasked with creating an environment that fosters both player and staff growth while ensuring compliance with Football Association regulations. Additionally, they will be responsible for maintaining professional standards within the academy, contributing to Newcastle United Women’s long-term ambitions.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Newcastle finds itself at a crucial juncture. The club’s ability to strengthen the squad while managing financial constraints will determine its competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions.

Whether Grealish becomes a realistic target depends on several factors, including Newcastle’s ability to maneuver within financial fair play regulations and the winger’s willingness to adjust his salary expectations.

At the same time, securing Schar’s future and investing in women’s football infrastructure highlight the club’s broader ambitions to build a sustainable and competitive football operation at all levels.