Grealish's Club World Cup exclusion opens door for Man City exit

Jack Grealish looks to be on borrowed time at Manchester City after the club left him out of its squad for the forthcoming Club World Cup.

The 29-year-old player who joined for a British record 100 million pounds in the summer of 2021 from Aston Villa, has two years left on his contract, but after slipping down the pecking order with Pep Guardiola's team last season, making just 32 appearances in all competitions, with most of those as a substitute, it now seems clear he has no future at the club.

Manchester City's Jack Grealish (R) is challenged by Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City and Inter Milan in Manchester, Britain, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Xinhua)

City's four summer signings, goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri and midfielders Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki have all been named in the squad, along with Rodri Hernandez, although Mateo Kovacic misses out through injury and James McAtee has chosen to play for the England Under-21 side in the European Championships.

Kevin de Bruyne has also not been included, even though his contract with City doesn't expire until the end of June, when he will move to Napoli.

Everton and Newcastle United are both reported to be interested in Grealish, although his high wages are a problem for any club looking to take him from the Etihad Stadium and a loan with City paying some of his wages is the most likely outcome.

City kicks off its Club World Cup campaign against Moroccan side, Wydad AC on June 16th, before facing Al Ain from the United Arab Emirates and Italian giant Juventus.

Full squad

Goalkeepers: Marcus Bettinelli, Stefan Ortega Moreno, Ederson

Defenders: Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Vitor Reis, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Abdukodir Khusanov

Midfielders: Nico O'Reilly, Tijjani Reijnders, Jeremy Doku, Nico Gonzalez, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Savinho, Matheus Nunes, Rayan Cherki, Claudio Echeverri, Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis

Forwards: Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush