Newcastle United have been linked with a possible move for Jack Grealish, but sources close to the Manchester City star have poured cold water on those claims.
Over the weekend, reports emerged suggesting that Newcastle were in the running to sign Grealish in a cut-price £60 million deal, fueling speculation around his future at the Etihad. However, insiders now suggest that Newcastle’s name is being used as leverage to accelerate the winger’s departure from City — rather than reflecting genuine interest from the Magpies.
Wage Demands a Major Obstacle
Grealish’s current salary — reportedly around £300,000 per week — is well beyond Newcastle’s wage structure. Any potential loan deal would require City to significantly subsidize his wages, which seems unlikely given Newcastle’s status as a top-five Premier League rival.
While Manchester City are reportedly willing to sanction the departure of their £100 million investment, interest from elsewhere remains complicated. Clubs such as Everton and Leeds United have also been credited with an interest in acquiring Jack Grealish, especially given his potential availability this summer. However, both clubs would likely struggle to meet the financial demands required to pull off such a deal. Grealish’s hefty weekly wages, combined with any potential transfer fee or loan subsidy negotiations, present significant barriers. Much like Newcastle, neither Everton nor Leeds currently operate within a financial framework that comfortably accommodates such a high-value, high-profile player — especially under the constraints of Premier League profit and sustainability regulations. As a result, despite the widespread admiration for the England international, only a club willing to take a calculated financial gamble — or negotiate generous terms with City — would stand a realistic chance of signing him.
Newcastle Focused Elsewhere
Manager Eddie Howe is said to admire Grealish’s talent, but he has previously played down the likelihood of signing players in that financial bracket.
Speaking earlier this year, Howe addressed the prospect of high-profile signings, stating:
“Financially? I don’t believe we’re currently in a position to sign a player like that.”
Despite having ambitious plans for the summer transfer window, Newcastle are prioritizing reinforcements at right wing, striker, center-back, and goalkeeper — not in Grealish’s favored left-wing role.
Guardiola Open to Grealish Departure
Last season, Pep Guardiola acknowledged that Grealish needs more consistent playing time — whether at City or elsewhere.
“Jack is an unbelievable player who needs to play every three days. That hasn’t happened this season or last,” said Guardiola.
“He needs to do it here or somewhere else. If he stays, great — he’ll continue to fight and contribute like he always has.”
While Grealish may be nearing the end of his time at Manchester City, a move to St James’ Park appears highly improbable given the financial and tactical realities at Newcastle.
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