Jack Grealish has stunned the football world by refusing Chelsea’s €70 million bid, even after repeated personal appeals from close friend and former teammate Cole Palmer to join him at Stamford Bridge.
The Manchester City star’s decision to stay loyal to Pep Guardiola’s side has reportedly left Chelsea owner Todd Boehly fuming, as another marquee signing slips through the club’s fingers.
Grealish Chooses Manchester City Loyalty Over Chelsea Switch
The 29-year-old England international, who made a £100 million switch from Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021, has been a vital contributor to City’s dominance in recent years.
However, his 2025 Premier League campaign has seen limited action, with just 12 appearances so far. Sensing an opportunity, Chelsea swooped in with a €70 million offer, hoping to take advantage of his reduced playing time and add more firepower to Enzo Maresca’s attack.
Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s rising star with 8 goals and 6 assists in 2025, personally lobbied his friend to make the move, promising an exciting role in the Blues’ fast, attacking system.
Yet, Manchester City moved swiftly to keep their winger, reportedly offering a lucrative contract extension along with assurances of a bigger role in Guardiola’s plans.
These guarantees ultimately convinced Grealish to stay at the Etihad, prioritizing loyalty and City’s ongoing project over a fresh start in London.
Boehly’s disappointment is said to be immense, as Chelsea had considered Grealish a key addition for the 2025/26 season. The failed pursuit adds to growing concerns over the club’s transfer policy, which has come under scrutiny despite more than £1.5 billion spent since the American billionaire’s 2022 takeover.
Chelsea’s Transfer Struggles Intensify
This setback highlights the challenges facing Chelsea’s aggressive recruitment strategy. The Blues may have recently celebrated their Club World Cup victory in July 2025, but underlying issues persist. The squad remains overcrowded, and player discontent has been growing, with stars like João Pedro and Enzo Fernández seeking clarity about their roles.
Palmer’s involvement gave the Grealish chase a personal angle, but even his influence could not outweigh City’s determination to retain their man. The episode also reflects the difficulty Chelsea faces in competing with the financial strength and stability of Manchester City when it comes to convincing elite talents.
What’s Next for Chelsea and City?
Chelsea will now need to turn their attention to other targets, with names like Jamie Gittens and Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian reportedly on the shortlist. The pressure is mounting on the board to not only make smart signings but also resolve internal discord if the club hopes to remain competitive in both the Premier League and Europe.
For Manchester City, successfully keeping Grealish bolsters their attacking depth as they aim to maintain their dominance domestically and push for further Champions League glory. Grealish’s commitment reinforces Guardiola’s project, while Chelsea’s failure serves as another reminder of the gap between the two clubs in both planning and execution.
