Jack Grealish left out of Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025 - 18:24

By Andy Hampson, PA

Jack Grealish has been left out of Manchester City’s squad for the Club World Cup.

The England international was not included in the 27-man travelling party published by the Premier League club on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old’s omission had been widely anticipated and will raise further doubts over his future at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola speaks to Jack Grealish on the touchline — Grealish (right) appears to have fallen out of favour with manager Pep Guardiola (left) (Martin Rickett/PA)

The midfielder, signed for £100million from Aston Villa four years ago, has fallen down the pecking order at City since playing a starring role in their treble success of 2023.

He made just seven Premier League starts in the 2024-25 campaign and was notably not summoned from the bench as City went down to a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final last month.

He was then left out of the matchday squad for the final Premier League game of the season at Fulham altogether.

With City’s overhaul of the squad continuing apace with four new gs this week, there is growing speculation Grealish could leave. He has been linked with a number of clubs in England and in Europe.

Your City travelling squad for the @FIFACWC 📋🔒#TakeItToTheWorld 🌍 pic.twitter.com/J3j8zRuP3g

— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 11, 2025

As expected, Kevin De Bruyne will also not be involved in this summer’s tournament in the United States.

The Belgian playmaker is leaving City this summer but could still have played before his contract expires on June 30.

The 33-year-old looks set to Serie A champions Napoli when he officially becomes a free agent.

New gs Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijani Reijnders and Marcus Bettinelli are all included in Pep Guardiola’s squad, which could have featured up to 35 names.

Rayan Ait-Nouri during a Wolves game — Rayan Ait-Nouri could make his City debut at the Club World Cup following his move from Wolves (Mike Egerton/PA)

There will be an opportunity to more players for the knockout stages should City progress that far.

City begin their campaign against Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia next Wednesday before facing further group games against Al Ain of Abu Dhabi and Juventus.

Midfielder Mateo Kovacic is missing through injury, while James McAtee is on international duty with England Under-21s.