Pep Guardiola emphasizes that Jack Grealish requires more game time and considers it best for him to leave Manchester City.

After being left out of City’s 27-man Club World Cup squad, Grealish, who has only started seven Premier League matches this season, is facing the possibility of a transfer. Napoli has shown interest, and the player’s contract with City still has two years remaining on his lucrative £300,000 weekly deal.

Guardiola shared details of an honest discussion with the player and the club, stating, ‘He had a conversation with the club and they decided it was best. Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason he did not play more last season is because of my decisions.’

He added, ‘We believe it’s best for him to leave and find a place where he can restart his career, similar to his time at Aston Villa, where he flourished. Without him, winning the Treble would have been more difficult. He needs regular game time to regain his confidence and showcase his talent again.’

Grealish, 29, has featured in 39 England internationals but was recently omitted from the squad for Euro 2024, describing the exclusion as “the hardest thing I have faced in my career.”

While City’s summer signings—including Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait Nouri, and Marcus Bettinelli—are preparing for the Club World Cup, Grealish’s absence suggests he’s seeking a new club in the transfer window, with potential interest from clubs like Everton.