With Jack Grealish on the verge of joining Everton, the club is actively exploring options to replace the £100 million winger. Pep Guardiola’s side needs a dynamic, creative player to maintain their attacking fluidity. Here are three potential candidates to fill Grealish’s role at the Etihad Stadium.
Why a Replacement Is Needed
Grealish, signed from Aston Villa in 2021, has struggled to secure a consistent starting spot, managing just seven Premier League starts in the 2024/25 season. His exclusion from the Club World Cup squad was a signal of a likely departure. Manchester City are keen to recruit a player who can replicate Grealish’s flair, work rate, and ability to play on the left or centrally.
Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, a 26-year-old attacking midfielder, is a prime candidate. Known for his silky dribbling, vision, and ability to unlock defences, Eze fits Guardiola’s system perfectly. His standout 2024/25 season, with five goals and six assists in the Premier League, has made him a target for City. Eze’s ability to play as a winger or No. 10 offers tactical flexibility. Palace’s £60 million valuation and interest from Arsenal could pose challenges, but City’s financial power makes them frontrunners.
Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Rodrygo would be a strong replacement for Jack Grealish due to his greater goal-scoring instinct and versatility, consistently delivering high-impact performances with 0.45 non-penalty expected goals plus assists per 90 minutes at Real Madrid in 2024/25, compared to Grealish’s 0.25 at Manchester City. Playing alongside elite attackers like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo benefits from a dynamic system that maximizes his pace and finishing ability. In contrast, Grealish’s playmaking style, while creative, offers fewer direct goal contributions and is limited by Manchester City’s rotational squad management.
Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)
West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, a 27-year-old Brazilian midfielder, could provide City with a different dimension. Known for his technical ability, work rate, and versatility to play as a winger or central midfielder, Paqueta has been a long-term target for City. West Ham value the Brazilian star at £50 million. Paqueta’s recent clearance from betting-related charges makes him an attractive option to add creativity and depth to City’s midfield.
Challenges in Replacing Grealish
Finding a direct replacement for Grealish is no easy task. His unique blend of flair, physicality, and off-ball work rate made him a key part of City’s 2022/23 treble-winning campaign. Financial constraints, high wage demands, and competition from other clubs could hinder City’s pursuit of these targets. Additionally, integrating a new player into Guardiola’s complex system requires time and adaptability.
