Jack Grealish given new escape route as alternative to Florian Wirtz
Jack Grealish is looking for a new club after being axed from Manchester City's Club World Cup squad and there could be an opportunity for him to join Bayer Leverkusen as they seek to replace Florian Wirtz
Manchester City misfit Jack Grealish could become Liverpool -bound Florian Wirtz's replacement at Bayer Leverkusen.
The German side have rejected a number of bids from the Reds for their star man Wirtz, who they value at around £126million. Should Liverpool finally get their man, Leverkusen will need a new playmaker and Grealish has been identified by new boss Erik ten Hag as a man who could fill the void.
Grealish has no future at City after being left out of Pep Guardiola's squad for the FIFA Club World Cup and he will be eyeing up his next move - though his eye-water salary of £300,000-a-week may cause issues.
The 29-year-old has fallen well down the pecking order at Manchester City and there is an acceptance from all parties that a move elsewhere is best. Grealish has been hugely influential in the past and Leverkusen may believe they can get him back to that level.
Ten Hag himself is known to be an admirer, reports The Sun, and those close to the player believe he is keen on a move overseas as he looks to revive his career.
While the Dutchman won't want to lose a player of his quality after he bagged 16 goals and 13 assists last season, he would be given a huge transfer war chest if Leverkusen are able to collect a reported £118m for his services.
Ten Hag has already landed Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken and the cash from the Wirtz deal should allow him to sign Grealish and a few more players too.
Grealish knows he needs to resurrect his career, as he still hopes of making England's World Cup squad next year.
Grealish would be interested in returning to boyhood club, Villa - four years after he left City for £100m - but their lack of Champions League football might make the move difficult.
Grealish started just seven times in the Premier League last night after losing his place under Guardiola, who admitted the winger has to play regular football at the end of the 2024-25 season.
"Of course Jack has to play," he said. "He's an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn't happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it - with us or another place.
"Who said I'm not happy with Jack? It's not personal. I'm the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season and the last season.
"I'm the one who said I want Jack Grealish. Now he didn't come (to Fulham) because he didn't come but not something else. What happens in the future is a job for Txiki (Begiristain), Hugo (Viana) and the agents."
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