Jack Grealish is a player whose future has been widely discussed in the past 12 months, with Tottenham Hotspur one of several clubs linked.
The England ace is out of favour at Manchester City even with their dipped performance this season, and with the World Cup approaching next year, he needs regular football more than anything.
Spurs have been credited with an interest in Grealish but there would be obstacles to clear – none more so than his wages, a matter on which fans in N17 have criticised Daniel Levy while in pursuit for top-calibre signings.
Grealish friend reveals latest amid Tottenham interest
Grealish is understood to be happy at Man City, but may feel under pressure to move on this summer with his World Cup place in major doubt.
His limited match action under Pep Guardiola last season prompted Gareth Southgate to snub him for the Euro 2024 squad – regular starters like Jarrod Bowen, Ebere Eze and Anthony Gordon preferred – and Thomas Tuchel could go the same way next year.
Grealish’s close friend and former Aston Villa teammate Gabby Agbonlahor revealed on talkSPORT on Thursday morning (24 April, 08:13) that he may now see little choice but to leave the Etihad Stadium behind.
Agbonlahor has revealed clubs in Spain and Italy could take a look at Grealish and decide a move is worthwhile.
“So what about Jack, then? I know you know Jack and I’m not trying to pry, but Jack’s got to look at moving on, surely,” co-host Alan Brazil asked Agbonlahor.
“I think he’ll want to in the summer. He’s got to look at the World Cup and think ‘I need to play next season, week-in, week-out’,” Grealish’s ex-teammate responded.
“And don’t rule out a move to a team in Italy, in Spain. There are teams out there that’ll look at Jack Grealish, and he’s played really well this season in the FA Cup.
“He has a lot to offer, but he’s got to pick the right club that suits the way he plays. His best football was at Villa where he was allowed that free role.”
Spurs know Europa League fate will dictate calibre of signings
Tottenham Hotspur are acutely aware of what their Europa League semi-final tie against Bodo/Glimt – and potential subsequent final – could mean to how their next years shape up.
Spurs will face either Manchester United or Athletic Club in the latter’s home city of Bilbao next month, if Ange Postecoglou‘s side can surpass their Norwegian last-four opponents in the same way they have done to AZ Alkmaar and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Victory qualifies them for next season’s Champions League despite their abject Premier League campaign, and will free up funds for Levy and make Spurs a far more attractive proposition for the top bracket of targets.
Grealish’s future is currently in the abyss – but the only way he entertains Levy and Tottenham is if they are playing top-table European football next term. Trophy or nothing.
