Jack Grealish Transfer Latest: Bayer Leverkusen Eye Surprise Move for Manchester City Star
Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City appears increasingly uncertain, with Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen emerging as a surprise contender to sign the England international this summer. The 29-year-old winger is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium following a disappointing 2024–25 season that saw his role significantly diminished under Pep Guardiola.
Decline in Game Time Sparks Exit Rumours
After joining Manchester City in 2021 for a then-British record transfer fee of £100 million from Aston Villa, Grealish’s career at the Etihad has had its highs and lows. Despite helping the club win a host of silverware including Premier League titles, a Champions League, and domestic cups, the 2024–25 campaign marked a notable dip in his involvement.
The England international made 32 appearances across all competitions last season but was named in the starting lineup just 16 times. His Premier League participation was even more limited, with only seven starts in 20 appearances, highlighting his reduced influence in Guardiola’s plans.
City’s decision to omit Grealish from the squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup further suggests that the player is no longer central to the club’s long-term vision. Both Manchester City and Grealish are believed to be eager to resolve his future swiftly, allowing the attacker to seek regular football elsewhere.
🚨 Bayer Leverkusen are lining up Jack Grealish as a replacement for Florian Wirtz, who is on his way to Liverpool.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 10, 2025
(Source: Sun Sport) pic.twitter.com/B2m9TsFQfe
Premier League Clubs Showing Interest
Interest in Grealish is not in short supply, particularly from Premier League clubs. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have been linked with potential moves, while recent reports also indicate that Everton are monitoring the situation closely. All three clubs could provide Grealish with the chance to reignite his career in the English top flight, albeit in different tactical environments.
Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, are in the midst of a squad rebuild focused on technical, attack-minded players. Newcastle, led by Eddie Howe, continue to search for established talents to add depth and experience to their European campaign plans. Everton, on the other hand, are expected to reinforce their squad under Sean Dyche as they aim to avoid another relegation scrap and return to mid-table stability.
Bayer Leverkusen Enter the Race
While domestic options are available, the latest development brings a continental twist to Grealish’s future. According to a report from The Sun, Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as a surprising but serious contender in the race for his signature.
The Bundesliga champions, now managed by former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, are reportedly eyeing Grealish as a potential replacement for star midfielder Florian Wirtz, who is widely expected to leave the BayArena this summer.
Ten Hag, who has admired Grealish’s technical ability and creativity for several years, sees the England international as an ideal candidate to inherit Wirtz’s role. With the Dutchman now taking the reins at Leverkusen following Xabi Alonso’s departure, a significant reshaping of the squad is expected.
Grealish, for his part, is believed to be open to the idea of moving abroad for the first time in his career. A transfer to Germany could offer him the fresh start and consistent playing time he seeks, particularly as he looks to reclaim a spot in the England national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
🔁 TRANSFER RUMOUR
— Football Feed (@footballfeedfc) June 10, 2025
Reports in England suggest that Jack Grealish is on Bayer Leverkusen’s radar as a potential replacement for Florian Wirtz 👀
From the Premier League to the Bundesliga – is this a smart move or a risky switch? 🤔
🗣️ Your take: Should Grealish make the jump to… pic.twitter.com/LPzWQjJAzq
Wirtz Exit Key to Leverkusen's Grealish Pursuit
Any potential move for Grealish by Bayer Leverkusen is likely to depend on the outcome of Florian Wirtz’s expected transfer. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s domestic and European success and is now being pursued by a number of Europe’s elite clubs.
Liverpool are currently front-runners to sign Wirtz and are said to be in advanced negotiations with the German champions. Should the Merseyside club finalise the deal, the funds generated — potentially in excess of £80 million — would give Leverkusen the financial flexibility to pursue a £40 million move for Grealish.
Given Wirtz’s stature and the hole his departure would leave in the attacking third, Leverkusen’s management appears keen to ensure a seamless transition. Grealish’s experience at the highest level and his technical qualities could make him an ideal replacement in Ten Hag’s setup, especially in the fluid attacking systems favored by the Dutch coach.
🚨 Bayer Leverkusen are lining up Jack Grealish as a replacement for Florian Wirtz, who is on his way to Liverpool.
— X_footballC (@X_footballC) June 10, 2025
(Source: @SunSport) pic.twitter.com/I9Y1o08JAI
A Chance for Redemption in Europe
A switch to Leverkusen would represent a significant change in scenery for Grealish, who has spent his entire career in England. It would also give him the opportunity to play Champions League football next season, with Leverkusen having secured qualification by winning the Bundesliga title.
Moreover, playing under Erik ten Hag — a manager known for developing creative players — could provide Grealish with a platform to rediscover his form and influence. The Bundesliga’s emphasis on quick transitions and open play could suit the winger’s flair and ball-carrying ability, potentially allowing him to flourish in ways that were stifled at City due to system constraints and intense squad competition.
From Leverkusen’s perspective, acquiring a player of Grealish’s pedigree would not only help maintain their attacking threat in Wirtz’s absence but also raise their profile internationally. The Englishman remains a marketable figure and a proven performer in European competition.
City Open to Sale
Manchester City are reportedly open to parting ways with Grealish this summer, with a valuation of around £40 million. That fee represents a significant markdown from the original amount they paid four years ago, but the club is keen to facilitate an amicable departure that benefits all parties.
With a new generation of talent emerging at the Etihad — including the likes of Oscar Bobb, Jeremy Doku, and Phil Foden — Grealish’s exit could free up valuable minutes and resources as Guardiola refreshes his attacking options.
City are also expected to be active in the transfer market themselves, with reports suggesting they are monitoring a number of young attacking midfielders across Europe as potential long-term additions.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Jack Grealish will leave Manchester City this summer. Everton are interested and are ready to negotiate with Man City.
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) June 8, 2025
— @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/6kDBGvcusu
Conclusion: A Defining Summer for Grealish
Jack Grealish’s time at Manchester City may be drawing to a close, but his next move could be pivotal in shaping the final stages of his prime years. Whether he stays in the Premier League or embarks on a new adventure abroad, the 2025 summer transfer window promises to be a defining chapter in his career.
Bayer Leverkusen’s interest, driven by Erik ten Hag’s admiration and the potential departure of Florian Wirtz, adds a new layer of intrigue to what was previously viewed as a domestic transfer saga. Should Wirtz finalize a move to Liverpool, and if Leverkusen are able to meet City’s asking price, Grealish could soon find himself preparing for a fresh challenge in the Bundesliga.
For now, all eyes are on Leverkusen, Liverpool, and Manchester City — as the pieces begin to fall into place for one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer stories.
