Jack Grealish's (Manchester City) future is ultimately heading toward separation. Once having recorded the highest transfer fee in British history while wearing the Man City uniform, he is now in a situation where he is no longer classified as a key player.
Bisaquer noted on the 12th (Korean time), "Grealish has emerged as a serious concern for Manchester City. A transfer appears virtually inevitable, but there are hardly any clubs that can afford his price tag," and assessed that "as a former core member of the team and the highest transfer fee player in Britain, he has now become an unnecessary presence at Man City."
The atmosphere around Grealish leaving the team in this summer's transfer market is almost certain. It was already an anticipated scenario. Transfer market specialist Fabrizio Romano reported the same day, "Manchester City has excluded Grealish from the Club World Cup roster," adding, "They are essentially preparing to say goodbye this summer. A new offer is expected to arrive soon."
Coach Pep Guardiola classified Grealish as a practical non-essential resource since the middle of last season. Since then, various media have covered his transfer possibilities, and rumors have circulated that some clubs are showing interest.
Particularly, Tottenham has emerged as a strong candidate for his next destination. Local media have reported that "Chairman Daniel Levy is active in acquiring Grealish," and there is a high likelihood that Tottenham's new manager Thomas Frank would view his joining positively.
The issue is the transfer fee. Grealish recorded an astronomical transfer fee of £100 million (188.5 billion won) when he transferred from Aston Villa to Manchester City. However, considering the decline in performance and age, it is virtually impossible for Manchester City to fully recover the investment.
Bisaquer stated, "Manchester City is unlikely to recover nearly the amount invested in acquiring Grealish," adding that "his market value has sharply declined over this season." According to the transfer specialist website Transfermarkt, Grealish's current market value has dropped to around €28 million (44.1 billion won).
Financial aspects are also a variable. The BBC reported that Tottenham secured approximately £21 million (38.9 billion won) through winning the UEFA Europa League (UEL), including prize money, broadcasting rights, and gate revenue. If Tottenham is to acquire Grealish at the current market price, it will require an investment that is sufficient to cover even the entirety of the UEL winning revenue.
As Jack Grealish, once regarded as the best prospect in the Premier League, is rapidly descending in his career, fans are increasingly feeling disappointment. There is interest in whether he can don a new uniform this summer and seize an opportunity for revival.
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