Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed the possibility of Jack Grealish or any other first-team player leaving the club during the January transfer window.
Reports from The Daily Mail suggest that Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are monitoring Grealish’s situation at the Etihad, but Guardiola insists departures are unlikely.
City, who are already dealing with a thin squad and a series of injuries, cannot afford to lose a player of Grealish’s caliber midway through the season, according to Guardiola.
Grealish, a £100 million signing from Aston Villa in 2021, has faced criticism for his recent performances. Despite being a regular presence in the team, the 29-year-old has failed to score in the entire 2024 calendar year, with his last goal coming in December 2023.
QUOTES:
When asked about potential January departures, Guardiola firmly stated, “I don’t expect any player to leave. We have a small squad, and with the injuries, we can’t afford to let anyone go.”
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has yet to comment on the speculation but has been focusing on reinvigorating his squad after a challenging season so far.
RECALL:
Jack Grealish’s tenure at Manchester City has been marked by ups and downs. While he played a key role in City’s treble-winning campaign last season, his goal contributions have dropped significantly.
In contrast, Spurs’ attacking options, including Son Heung-Min and Dejan Kulusevski, have consistently delivered in front of goal, raising questions about whether Grealish would add value to Tottenham’s current setup.
Spurs had the opportunity to sign Grealish during his time at Aston Villa but missed out. Now, with his form in question, the North London club may need to weigh their options carefully.
CITATIONS:
Reports from The Daily Mail (30 December) confirm Spurs and Newcastle’s interest in the England international.
Meanwhile, Guardiola’s comments, as covered by multiple outlets, emphasize City’s need to retain their squad depth in the face of ongoing injury challenges.
KEEP IN MIND:
For Tottenham, signing Grealish would not only come with a hefty price tag but also significant risk given his recent dip in form. With Daniel Levy known for prioritizing value-for-money deals, it remains to be seen if Spurs would pursue a player whose impact has been questioned at the highest level.
