Jack Grealish has been linked with a move away from Manchester City.
According to reports, Manchester City are ready to use Jack Grealish as part of a spectacular swap to secure a Premier League profile.
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After a disappointing 2024/25 season, City have worked intensely to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s squad. So far this summer, the club has signed players such as Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, James Trafford, Sverre Nypan and Marcus Bettinelli.
At the same time, players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Yan Couto and Máximo Perrone have left the Etihad Stadium.
Grealish can be swapped for Paquetá
With the new season on the horizon, speculation continues that Grealish (29) could leave City. He was recently linked with a loan deal with Everton, but now Sport Witness reports that City are considering using him as part of a swap for West Ham United star Lucas Paquetá.
According to Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola, City are “determined to sign the Brazilian midfielder”. They are discussing a “new formula” to complete a deal without having to pay West Ham’s desired price of £50 million.
Nicola claims that City can offer a lower amount plus Grealish to persuade West Ham to sell.
Read on F7: Barcelona star refuses to cut salary to make room for latest signings
Paquetá’s betting case – now finally clarified
Paquetá (27) was close to a move to City in the summer of 2023, but the deal collapsed due to an ongoing FA investigation into suspicions of deliberate yellow cards for influencing betting markets.
Four of the charges were about Premier League matches in 2022 and 2023, including clashes against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth. Paquetá was also accused of failing to cooperate with the investigation.
Last week, he was finally acquitted.
Paquetá stated after the verdict:
“From day one, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious charges. I can’t say more now, but I want to thank God that the case is over and look forward to playing football with a smile again. To my wife, West Ham, the fans and my legal team – thank you so much for your support.”
Now what?
If the swap goes through, City will get a creative midfielder who fits Guardiola’s style of play perfectly, while West Ham could secure a seasoned Premier League winner in Grealish.
This will be one of the summer’s most surprising transitions – if it materializes.
