The news that Jack Grealish is actively seeking an exit from Manchester City has sent scrawls of excitement through the claret-and-blue faithful, especially with reports from talkSPORT emerging that we’ve officially entered the fray for his signature.
Grealish was left out of City’s Club World Cup squad, left to train alone ahead of the new season and is desperate for regular football if he’s to revive any hopes of forcing his way back into England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. All of which adds fuel to his proposed transfer fire.
Yet just as fast as the excitement builds, West Ham fans are being reminded why this is no simple swoop. Grealish reportedly earns £300,000 a week at City, a figure that would cripple most clubs, especially those who can’t offer Champions League football or the financial muscle of the bigger European heavyweights.
A loan is the only realistic escape route; even then, City would likely need to subsidise the deal heavily just to make it palatable.
The picture emerging suggests Graham Potter is pushing hard internally for the deal, and West Ham insider, ExWHUemployee, has even confirmed that Grealish is open to the idea of joining the Hammers on loan. That said, another key voice within the club – reportedly connected to David Sullivan – remains unconvinced on whether splurging on Grealish, even in temporary form, really fits with West Ham’s long-term strategy.
Everton, Newcastle and Tottenham are also reportedly keeping tabs on Grealish’s situation.
Jack Grealish could be Jesse Lingard 2.0
Grealish is exactly the kind of player who wouldn’t take long to become something of a cult hero in claret and blue, similar to when Jesse Lingard arrived on loan in 2021. His arrival would arguably represent a major coup.
Lingard arrived on loan from Manchester United midway through the 2020/2021 season and became an immediate hit, scoring nine and assisting a further five in 16 appearances. His performances were crucial to West Ham finishing 6th in the Premier League that season.
But we’ve been around long enough to know that hype doesn’t always translate into smart business. If we’re being realistic, the only way this ever fits is on loan with substantial City wage contribution.
On the pitch, though, Grealish would step straight into the role vacated by Mohammed Kudus, offering creativity, flair and a direct attacking threat. Potter’s system, with its emphasis on control from midfield, might actually suit Grealish better than City’s overloaded setup — perhaps providing the space for him to thrive again.
If Sullivan remains unconvinced, the logic is understandable, but if Potter genuinely sees Grealish as the catalyst for a resurgence, the hope is he is backed and trusted as he seeks to rebuild a West Ham side which has underperformed over the last two seasons.
If the club can overcome the hurdle of Grealish’s huge wages, this could prove to be one the transfers of the summer.
