Manchester City’s £100 million star Jack Grealish faces a critical crossroads in his career, with former Premier League striker Troy Deeney suggesting the England international should consider departing the Etihad Stadium to preserve his footballing legacy. The controversial take comes as Grealish endures one of his most challenging periods since joining the reigning Premier League champions.
Grealish, who turned 29 this year, has experienced a significant downturn in his fortunes during 2024, managing just five Premier League starts this season. The midfielder’s struggle for consistent playing time under Pep Guardiola has already cost him dearly, with his omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024 marking a particular low point in his career trajectory.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT.com ahead of the Manchester derby, former Watford captain Deeney expressed serious concerns about Grealish’s current situation. “I think he is in danger of having his legacy ruined,” Deeney stated, reflecting on the stark contrast between Grealish’s current form and his earlier career achievements. What’s happening now is, in football, it’s ‘What have you done lately?’ and he hasn’t done a great deal lately due to injuries and being out of the team.
The emergence of Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku as preferred options on Manchester City’s left wing has further complicated Grealish’s position within the squad. This development represents a significant shift for a player who was once considered one of English football’s most exciting talents during his time at Aston Villa.
Deeney’s analysis suggests that Grealish’s playing style requires a specific environment to flourish. People like Jack, they need to have the ball every couple of minutes – and not being stood on the side – and when they get it, run a little bit and pass it back,” he explained. This observation points to a fundamental mismatch between Grealish’s natural game and his current role at Manchester City.
While speculation about a potential return to Aston Villa has emerged, Deeney, speaking with his “Blues head on” as a former Birmingham City player, advised against such a move. “I don’t want him to go back to Villa for two reasons, selfishly, because I don’t want Villa to get good again,” he admitted before adding a more serious consideration: “But genuinely for him, I always think if you go back, there’s an expectation you’re going to be that person you was when you left.”
Instead, Deeney advocates for a fresh start at a new club where Grealish can reclaim his status as the focal point of the team. This suggestion reflects a growing sentiment in football circles that sometimes even the most prestigious clubs might not provide the best environment for certain players to maximize their potential.
The situation raises broader questions about the career trajectories of high-profile transfers and the challenges players face when moving to clubs with deep squads and intense competition for places. Grealish’s case serves as a particularly noteworthy example, given his record-breaking transfer fee and the expectations that came with it.
As Manchester City continues their campaign to defend multiple titles, Grealish’s position within the squad remains uncertain. The coming transfer windows could prove crucial in determining whether the talented midfielder chooses to fight for his place at the Etihad or seeks a new challenge elsewhere to rejuvenate his career.
For now, Grealish’s struggles serve as a reminder that even at the highest level of football, success is never guaranteed, and sometimes difficult decisions must be made to preserve both form and legacy. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how this situation develops and whether Grealish can reverse his fortunes, either at Manchester City or potentially at a new destination.
