Pearce informed of likely next Grealish destination after Aston Villa revelation
Jack Grealish is understandably stealing the transfer spotlight this summer, with Aston Villa one of several names linked with the Manchester City midfielder.
Grealish is no longer needed by Pep Guardiola, meaning his future at Man City has been cast into doubt.
That has alerted a host of Premier League clubs to his situation, with Everton, Tottenham and Villa all possible destinations.
However, his future destination has taken a fresh twist, which will prick the ears of Villans supporters.
Napoli transfer possible for Man City’s Grealish
Grealish has a decision to make on his future, with City set to let the 29-year-old leave on loan this summer.
During his spell at the Etihad Stadium, the midfielder has seen fewer minutes on the pitch and has dropped down the pecking order.
The former Villa man was omitted from City’s final Premier League game of the season and then was an unused substitute in the FA Cup final.
| Jack Grealish’s 2024/25 Premier League statistics | Total |
| Appearances (starts) | 20 (7) |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Big chances created | 2 |
| Touches | 28.5 |
| Accurate passes | 18.8 (91%) |
That has sparked speculation around the forward’s future, with Villa credited with interest in Grealish in what was a bit of a transfer revelation.
A stumbling block for any club will be his £300,000 wages, which City may have to subsidise to let him leave.
While hosting talkSPORT (9 June, 9:03am) with Jeff Stelling, Stuart Pearce was informed of Grealish’s most likely destination by transfer guru Alex Crook.
Crook, responding to Pearce’s question about whether a return to Villa is on the cards for Grealish, said: “I’ve just got a hunch, Stuart, that he might fancy a move abroad.
“Napoli have got some interest in him, Italian champions, they can offer him Champions League football, and maybe a complete change in scenery might be best for Jack Grealish.”
Aston Villa unlikely to move for Grealish amid financial situation
Villa have completed some eye-catching loan deals of late, with Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio joining Unai Emery’s side last season.
However, a deal of a similar ilk is unlikely next term due to the Villans’ current financial situation.
UEFA are to penalise the West Midlands outfit for breaching financial rules after they recorded significant losses.
Furthermore, their current PSR situation means that they will have to sell players if they are to reinvest substantially.
This means that a move for Grealish is highly unlikely given his substantial wages at Man City.
The only route to acquiring him is if City were to significantly subsidise his exit, but Villa would likely be well short of other clubs looking to sign him.