Jack Grealish's Summer Training Amid Exclusion from Man City's Squad

In a striking display of determination, Jack Grealish has taken to social media to showcase his rigorous summer training regimen, following his exclusion from Manchester City’s squad for the upcoming Club World Cup. The 29-year-old winger, who was notably omitted from the 27-man traveling party announced by manager Pep Guardiola, is currently preparing for a potential summer transfer, as speculation about his future at the club intensifies.

Grealish’s absence has been linked to his need for regular playing time, a sentiment echoed by England's national team manager Thomas Tuchel, who emphasized the importance of consistent match experience for international selection. On June 14, 2025, Grealish posted a photo on Instagram, proudly displaying his impressive physique with the caption, ‘Late night runs on holiday. Feeling good,’ accompanied by emojis of a running man and a flexed bicep, signaling his commitment to maintaining peak fitness despite the ongoing uncertainty regarding his position at Manchester City.

As Manchester City prepares to compete in the Club World Cup, beginning June 18 against Moroccan side Wydad, the dynamics of the team are further complicated by the personal relationships within the squad. Erling Haaland, Grealish's close friend and teammate, shared a poignant post expressing his feelings of absence, indicating the strong bond formed between the two since Haaland’s transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. In a Snapchat post, he lamented the empty seat beside him on the team flight, captioning it, ‘Jack Grealish where are you,’ alongside a crying emoji.

The decision to exclude Grealish appears to have been made to facilitate a potential transfer, with clubs in England and Europe reportedly expressing interest in the player, who was signed from Aston Villa for a British record fee of £100 million in 2021. Guardiola acknowledged this possibility, stating that the club would work with Grealish and his representatives to explore options that would suit all parties involved.

Historically, Grealish has been a pivotal player for Manchester City, contributing to their successes in domestic and international competitions. However, his recent omission raises questions about the club’s future plans and the impact on team morale. While the immediate focus remains on the Club World Cup, the broader implications of Grealish’s status could reverberate through the squad, potentially affecting team cohesion and performance.

As Manchester City navigates this challenging period, the upcoming tournament serves as a crucial opportunity for other squad members to step up and fill the void left by Grealish. The outcomes of these matches may not only influence the club’s standings in the tournament but also shape the future trajectories of its players, including Grealish.

In conclusion, as the football world watches closely, Grealish’s commitment to maintaining his fitness amidst uncertainty, coupled with the emotional dynamics of his friendship with Haaland, highlights the complex interplay of personal and professional challenges faced by athletes at the highest level. The next few weeks could prove pivotal for Grealish’s career and Manchester City’s ambitions as they aim to reclaim glory on the international stage.