Report: Newcastle United told they can sign £100m player for just £38m

Jack Grealish’s situation at Manchester City has taken a notable turn, and with it comes a fresh wave of speculation about his next potential move. Newcastle United, a club looking to climb into the upper echelons of English football, have been closely monitoring the winger’s diminishing role at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite Grealish’s undeniable talent and past contributions, his limited playing time this season has sparked conversations across the football world, and Newcastle’s interest continues to linger in the background. Yet, as with many high-profile transfers, the question isn’t just about talent—it’s about timing, age, cost, and long-term fit.

Grealish’s market value has seen a steep drop compared to what City once invested in him. Originally signed from Aston Villa for a record £100 million, the attacking midfielder now reportedly carries a price tag in the region of £38 to £43 million—a figure that reflects both his reduced impact on the pitch and the economic reality facing potential suitors.

For Newcastle, a club with an ambitious vision but mindful of Financial Fair Play constraints, such a transfer would require deep consideration.

Not only is the transfer fee significant, but the player’s wages are among the highest in the Premier League. Reports suggest Grealish earns a staggering £300,000 per week, a figure that dwarfs the current wage structure at St. James’ Park.

To put things into perspective, Newcastle’s top earners include Bruno Guimarães at £160,000 per week, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon both reportedly at £150,000, with players like Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak, and Sandro Tonali earning slightly less.

Introducing Grealish into that financial ecosystem could disrupt the balance and stretch the club’s salary cap.

Even if Newcastle were to consider a loan arrangement, Manchester City would likely demand a hefty contribution to his weekly wages, making the overall cost difficult to justify.

Newcastle already have strong options on the left wing, with Anthony Gordon proving to be a valuable asset and Harvey Barnes offering another solid alternative. Joelinton has also shown versatility, capable of operating in a more advanced wide role when required.

From a tactical standpoint, Grealish wouldn’t be filling a void; rather, he’d be competing for minutes in an already well-staffed area of the pitch. Add to that the financial commitment needed to bring him in, and the logic of pursuing such a deal becomes even harder to reconcile.

Fan sentiment also plays a role in shaping a club’s transfer activity, and in this case, many Newcastle supporters appear skeptical about the idea of signing Grealish.

While there’s no denying his natural ability and potential to influence games, his performances at City have lacked consistency. He’s had moments of brilliance, but they’ve been too few and far between to justify a move that would consume a considerable portion of Newcastle’s summer transfer budget.

Tottenham and Aston Villa have also been linked with Grealish, and some reports have suggested these clubs remain more viable destinations based on their current squad needs and financial flexibility.

Tottenham, in particular, are undergoing a rebuild under Ange Postecoglou and could see Grealish as a creative asset capable of injecting flair into their midfield or attack.

Villa, his former club, could offer him a familiar environment and a redemption arc that rekindles his best form. But for Newcastle, the fit seems less than perfect—not just in terms of footballing logic, but also from a long-term financial perspective.

As the summer window approaches, Newcastle will likely prioritize reinforcing positions that align more directly with their strategic goals.

With European competition on the horizon and a desire to push deeper into the top tier of English football, smart and sustainable recruitment will be key. Splashing tens of millions on a player nearing 30, with an enormous wage and a questionable recent record, could prove counterproductive.

Newcastle have shown they can attract high-caliber players with the right profile and long-term value, and those principles are unlikely to be sacrificed for a marquee name.

In many ways, Grealish remains a fascinating figure in English football—still capable of brilliance but now surrounded by questions about his role, value, and direction.

His time at Manchester City may be winding down, but where he lands next will depend as much on financial realities as footballing ones. For Newcastle United, admiration alone might not be enough to make the deal worthwhile.