Report: Manchester City open to major summer exit as Forest join race | OneFootball

Jack Grealish’s Manchester City Future Hangs in the Balance

Forest’s bold ambition with a shock move

Jack Grealish’s time at Manchester City may soon be over, with Nottingham Forest emerging as an unlikely but ambitious suitor. As reported by Caught Offside, Grealish is no longer considered “untouchable” at City. The £100million man, who arrived from Aston Villa in 2021 amid huge fanfare, has never quite lived up to the seismic expectations that followed his record-breaking move.

Forest’s pursuit of Grealish is emblematic of a club trying to redefine its place among the Premier League elite. After flirting with relegation last season, they now dream of European football — and Grealish, despite his struggles, remains a marquee name. Securing his signature would send shockwaves across the division, though they’ll face stiff competition from Tottenham, Newcastle, and possibly even West Ham and Aston Villa.

The financial side tells a story of City’s evolving ruthlessness. Prepared to accept an offer in the region of £38–43million, the Citizens are braced to absorb a significant financial loss. In today’s hyper-inflated market, that’s an admission that while Grealish’s contributions were steady — 17 goals and 23 assists across 155 appearances — they were never truly transformational.

City’s squad evolution under Guardiola

Pep Guardiola’s willingness to sacrifice Grealish is part of a broader Etihad evolution. City’s serial-winning machine demands constant reinvention, and players who once seemed central can quickly become expendable. Grealish, having fallen behind stars like Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku, finds himself on the outside looking in.

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There’s no disgrace in that. City’s standards are mercilessly high. Grealish can leave with medals jangling in his pockets — three Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, and an FA Cup — but still with the feeling of untapped potential at the Etihad.

The landscape of top-level football is unforgiving: reputations, no matter how glittering, are expendable if they cease to match the team’s forward momentum.

Grealish’s dilemma: redemption or reinvention?

For Grealish, the crossroads is stark. Nottingham Forest’s offer would be daring but intriguing. A chance to become the centrepiece again, to reignite the swagger that made him England’s darling during Euro 2020, could be tantalising.

Newcastle offers a different appeal — a potential centre piece in the next big project club in the country. Villa’s name also lingers in the background, whispering of unfinished business and boyhood dreams.

Whatever the choice, it will shape the final act of Grealish’s prime years.

Legacy questioned despite trophies

It’s an odd twist that a player so synonymous with flair, creativity, and individuality leaves his most dominant club stint feeling somewhat anonymous. Grealish’s City career delivered medals but muted moments; few signature performances, fewer defining memories.

City will move on — they always do. For Grealish, the summer will be about finding a platform that allows him to matter again, to be more than just a £100million footnote.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester City fan’s perspective, this report feels bittersweet. On one hand, Jack Grealish has been a solid squad member, playing important roles especially in the treble-winning season. His close control, ball retention and ability to draw fouls often gave City the breathing space they needed in tough games.

However, the harsh truth is that he never lived up to the “game-changer” status £100million demanded. When you think about City’s biggest moments over the last three years — it’s Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Rodri or Phil Foden who spring to mind, not Grealish.

Letting him go now, even at a huge financial loss, feels like the right footballing decision. It’s about progression, about clearing space for younger, hungrier talents who can define the next era.

Still, there’s genuine affection for Grealish among City fans. He was never disruptive, always professional, and seemed genuinely humbled to be part of the club’s success. If he does move — whether to Forest, Spurs or elsewhere — he deserves a warm reception whenever he returns to the Etihad.

Ultimately, football moves fast. Sentiment can’t slow City’s relentless quest for excellence.