Jack Grealish to Tottenham Hotspur: Latest Transfer Update as ‘Major’ Development Emerges
As the summer transfer window approaches, one of the most intriguing stories to emerge is the potential move of Jack Grealish from Manchester City to Tottenham Hotspur. Once seen as an indispensable part of Pep Guardiola’s system, Grealish’s standing at City has noticeably declined over the past year. Recent reports suggest a “major” development in the situation, with Tottenham stepping up their interest and early talks reportedly taking place.
The move, if completed, would signal a remarkable shift in the Premier League landscape, potentially reinvigorating Grealish’s career while offering Spurs a marquee name to build around. However, any deal is likely to be complex, fraught with financial and strategic challenges for both clubs involved.
Grealish’s Situation at Manchester City
Jack Grealish joined Manchester City in 2021 for a British-record fee of £100 million. The expectation was that he would evolve into a key creative force for Guardiola’s side, offering both flair and control in the final third. Although he played a significant role in City’s 2022–23 treble-winning campaign, his influence has waned considerably since.
Injuries have disrupted Grealish’s rhythm during the 2024–25 season. He has struggled with consistency, and fitness concerns have seen him miss a significant chunk of the campaign. Even when available, he has often been relegated to the bench, with younger and more dynamic options such as Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden taking precedence.
Guardiola has reportedly raised questions internally about Grealish’s physical condition and long-term role in the squad. There is a growing belief that City would be open to offloading the winger, should the right offer arrive, as they begin to transition the team toward a younger, more explosive attacking unit.
Tottenham’s Interest: Renewed and Serious
Tottenham’s pursuit of Jack Grealish is not new. Spurs famously attempted to sign him from Aston Villa in 2018, only to see the deal collapse due to Villa’s internal issues and financial constraints. This time, however, the North London club appears to be in a stronger position, both competitively and financially, and is ready to reignite their interest.
The major development in recent days has been the confirmation that Spurs’ Sporting Director, Johan Lange, has made contact with Grealish’s representatives. Lange previously worked at Aston Villa and played a key role in Grealish’s development and eventual move to City. His existing relationship with the player and his camp could be pivotal in bringing him to North London.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is reportedly a huge admirer of Grealish’s technical ability and creativity. The Australian coach is building a team around possession and forward momentum, and believes Grealish could thrive in his system, offering Spurs a different dimension in attack.
The Financial Challenge
While Spurs’ interest is real, the financial implications of any potential deal remain a significant obstacle. Grealish is currently one of Manchester City’s top earners, with a weekly wage believed to be around £300,000. Tottenham, known for maintaining a more modest wage structure, would need either a substantial wage reduction from the player or for City to subsidize part of his salary.
Tottenham’s highest earners, such as Heung-min Son and James Maddison, earn in the region of £180,000 to £190,000 per week. Matching or even approaching Grealish’s current wage demands would create imbalances within the squad and potentially lead to dressing-room discontent. Therefore, any transfer would likely require Grealish to take a considerable pay cut—possibly up to 30–40%—unless City agree to subsidize his wages for a loan or transitional period.
There is also the matter of the transfer fee. Despite his drop in form and injury concerns, Grealish remains a valuable asset. City are unlikely to let him leave for anything less than £50 million. For Tottenham, this would represent a significant investment and a financial risk, particularly for a player with a history of injury concerns.
Loan Deal or Permanent Transfer?
One solution that has been discussed internally at both clubs is a season-long loan with an option or obligation to buy. This would give Tottenham the opportunity to evaluate Grealish’s form and fitness without committing to a massive upfront cost. It would also allow City to reduce their wage bill temporarily while potentially driving up Grealish’s market value with consistent performances at Spurs.
However, there is caution within the City hierarchy about strengthening a potential rival. Tottenham, currently pushing for Champions League qualification, are a direct competitor in the top-four race. Allowing one of their out-of-favour players to reignite his career at a rival could backfire, particularly if Grealish returns to form and proves decisive in key matches.
A permanent transfer, while cleaner in terms of financial planning, poses its own risks. Spurs would need to commit to a substantial fee and possibly a multi-year contract on high wages, which goes against their usual operating model. Yet, the club has shown more ambition under the current leadership and may see Grealish as the type of star needed to push them into the next tier of Premier League contenders.
Grealish’s Perspective
From Grealish’s point of view, a move to Tottenham could be attractive. He would be playing for a manager who believes in expressive, attacking football and who has already transformed the careers of several players at Spurs. Postecoglou’s system seems well-suited to Grealish’s style: high pressing, ball retention, and dynamic play between the lines.
Moreover, regular first-team football would be almost guaranteed—something that has become increasingly rare at City. With Euro 2028 and other international tournaments on the horizon, Grealish knows he must be playing consistently to remain in Gareth Southgate’s plans.
There are also personal considerations. London’s appeal, the chance to be a focal point in a rising team, and the comfort of working with familiar faces like Lange could all play into his decision-making process.
Other Suitors
Tottenham are not the only club monitoring Grealish’s situation. Aston Villa have long been linked with a romantic reunion with their former captain. Villa are now a top-six contender under Unai Emery and could provide Grealish with a familiar environment in which to rediscover his best form.
Newcastle United have also reportedly expressed interest, and their financial muscle makes them a credible threat in any bidding war. With Champions League ambitions and a growing reputation for marquee signings, they could offer Grealish both high wages and competitive football.
Nonetheless, Tottenham appears to be the most advanced in their approach at this stage, having initiated direct contact with the player’s camp and explored possible structures for a deal.
Conclusion
The Jack Grealish to Tottenham transfer saga is shaping up to be one of the defining stories of the summer window. While a move is far from certain, all the ingredients for a blockbuster deal are present: a high-profile player out of favour, a big club in need of creativity, and a manager eager to make a statement signing.
The next few weeks will be crucial. Tottenham must decide how far they’re willing to stretch their financial boundaries to bring in Grealish, while Manchester City must weigh the benefits of offloading a big earner against the risk of strengthening a rival. Grealish himself faces a career crossroads, with the opportunity to re-establish himself as one of England’s top attacking talents hanging in the balance.
In a summer expected to be filled with twists and surprises, this particular storyline is one that fans, pundits, and clubs across the Premier League will be watching very closely.