Manchester United are reportedly considering a surprise summer move for Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish, as revealed by Miguel Delaney in his newsletter for The Independent.
While the rumor is still at a speculative stage, Delaney suggests that Grealish, now 29 years old, may be open to the switch.
However, United’s current transfer priorities appear to lie elsewhere. The club is said to be more focused on landing Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha and City’s young striker Liam Delap, with a potential move for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo seeming unlikely unless there are significant player sales to balance the books.
Jack Grealish signed for Manchester City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a British record fee of £100 million. Since then, he has made 157 appearances for City, scoring 17 goals and registering 23 assists.
Despite those numbers, his impact this past season has been underwhelming.
Grealish has struggled to maintain form, with just three goals and five assists in 32 matches across all competitions.
His reduced influence on the pitch has led to speculation about his future at the club, especially considering that he appears to have fallen out of favour with City boss Pep Guardiola.
The prospect of Grealish switching to the red side of Manchester may seem appealing to some, given his technical skills, Premier League experience, and ability to perform in tight spaces.
However, several key factors cast doubt on the wisdom of such a move. Firstly, new United manager Ruben Amorim has a very specific tactical identity, favouring high-energy football built on pressing, intensity, and quick transitions.
Grealish, while undoubtedly skillful, does not naturally fit this style of play and may struggle to adapt to Amorim’s demanding system.
Another point of concern is United’s recent record in the transfer market, which has featured a number of costly misjudgments involving established names with limited long-term value.
The club is now believed to be shifting its strategy under the new INEOS-backed sporting structure, which aims to focus more on younger, hungry players who possess tactical versatility and growth potential.
Targets like Michael Olise, Desire Doue, and Matheus Cunha align more closely with this vision.
Grealish, though still technically gifted and capable of producing in key moments, brings with him a high wage bill, injury concerns, and the baggage of a declining season.
Signing him would likely contradict the club’s new direction. Therefore, while his availability may tempt some decision-makers, pursuing a deal for the City star may represent a step in the wrong direction for a Manchester United team aiming for long-term rebuilding and sustainability.
