Jack Grealish responds as Gabby Agbonlahor makes ‘personal’ Man City claim
Jack Grealish has responded to former Aston Villa teammate Gabby Agbonlahor’s comments regarding the winger’s situation under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Grealish will miss the Club World Cup this summer, while he is set to leave Man City ahead of next season amid his lack of game time at the Etihad Stadium.
The 29-year-old made just seven starts in the Premier League this term, with the majority of his 20 appearances arriving as a substitute.
While the England international has fallen out of favour in the North West, Grealish could be set to join Napoli.
Grealish responds as Agbonlahor weighs in on ‘odd’ Man City situation
Pep Guardiola left Grealish on the substitute’s bench as his side were defeated 1-0 by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final last month.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [5 June], Agbonlahor said: “I think towards the end of the season, it felt to me like it got a bit personal.
“Bringing on a young kid for his debut in an FA Cup final when you’re chasing a goal, when you’ve got someone who’s had the career Jack’s had just seemed a bit odd.
“That seemed a bit personal to me, like a last little dig to get you out, to upset you, to (make) you want to move. But we’ve seen this before from Pep. Pep can be ruthless at times. If he feels that you’re not part of his future plans, he will get rid of you.”
TalkSPORT shared a video of the former Villa striker’s comments on Instagram, while Grealish commented: “What you want me to do, score a hatty (hat-trick) in 20 (minutes)?”
Newcastle opt against signing Grealish
While Grealish is set for a Man City departure, the summer transfer window could prove vital for his career, while he will hope to play for England at the 2026 World Cup.
| Jack Grealish stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 20 |
| Starts | 7 |
| Goals | 1 |
The former Villa man has enjoyed success since moving to the Etihad, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup.
But the 29-year-old is no longer a prominent member of Guardiola’s squad and will look to enjoy more game time elsewhere next summer.
Napoli’s interest in Grealish’s services could prove fruitful for the England man, as Antonio Conte’s side search for a long-term Khvicha Kvaratskhelia replacement.
Furthermore, the Serie A title winners will be competing in next season’s Champions League, and both Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour have enjoyed success in Naples since leaving the Premier League.
Meanwhile, despite being linked to the winger, Newcastle United are not interested in signing Grealish, reducing the options at his disposal this summer.