Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Jack Grealish’s future at the club will be decided at the end of the season, as the England international continues to struggle for game time.
Grealish, a key figure in City’s 2023 treble-winning side, has fallen down the pecking order. The 29-year-old has started just seven Premier League games this term and was an unused substitute in City‘s shock FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace.
That omission has intensified speculation around a summer exit, but Guardiola insists no talks have been held yet.
“We didn’t talk, I didn’t talk with him,” Guardiola said on Monday.
“These things belong to the agents and the club. Txiki [Begiristain] and Hugo [Viana] will decide. He needs to come back and start playing minutes again.”
The City boss acknowledged that Grealish, who still has two years left on his contract, is likely frustrated by his limited role.
“There is not one player in my locker room who is happy when they do not play,” he added.
“They are here to play, and when they don’t, they are not satisfied. That’s normal.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will leave City at the end of the season. The Belgian will play his final home game against Bournemouth, ending a glittering 10-year spell at the club with 16 trophies.
Despite De Bruyne’s belief that he can still play at the highest level, Guardiola hinted that the time is right to part ways due to recent injury setbacks and declining form.
“There are players who are really difficult to replace,” he said.
“But we have to move forward.”
City now face a crucial run-in, and the futures of several senior players are set to dominate the summer headlines.
