Atletico Madrid Considers Move for Jack Grealish Amid Manchester City Uncertainty
Atletico Madrid are weighing up a surprise move for Jack Grealish, with the La Liga club exploring the possibility of prising the winger away from Manchester City this summer, according to reports in England.
The interest comes at a crossroads moment in Grealish’s career. Now 30, he spent the 2025–26 campaign on loan at Everton, where he produced flashes of his old influence before injury cut the season short. Two goals and six assists hinted at a player still capable of shaping games, only for a broken foot in January to halt his momentum and raise fresh questions about his long-term role at City.
Simeone sees a fit for his system
Atletico’s hierarchy are understood to be drawn not just to Grealish’s technique, but to the side of his game that rarely makes the highlight reels. His work rate without the ball and willingness to track back have caught the eye in Madrid, where Diego Simeone demands intensity and sacrifice from his wide players.
In a Simeone side, wingers are judged as much on how they close passing lanes and double up with full-backs as on how they dribble past defenders. Grealish, often pigeonholed as a luxury playmaker earlier in his career, has worked to broaden that reputation at City and Everton. Atletico believe that blend of graft and guile could translate well to the relentless tactical structure that has defined Simeone’s tenure.
Omission sparks talk – and a sharp response
The noise around a possible exit grew louder when Grealish did not travel with Manchester City for their pre-season tour of Asia. His absence was quickly seized upon as a sign that he had been frozen out under the new regime.
Grealish hit back himself. Writing on his personal social media account, he moved to shut down the speculation and gave a blunt explanation for staying behind:
"Just to let you know I'm still recovering from an injury so I'm not training yet. Haven't been 'left out' so stop talking poo poo thanks."
One post, short and pointed, was enough to show he has no intention of letting others control the narrative around his situation.
Maresca keeps the door open
Inside the club, the message has been more measured. New City manager Enzo Maresca has been careful to stress that Grealish remains part of his plans – at least for now.
"At the moment, he is here. He is a Manchester City player. I always said the same. In any club I join, I like to know if there are players that belong to the club," Maresca said when asked about the winger’s future.
"It's my duty to try to coach them. Jack is here. I have a good relationship with Jack since I left. Also, we keep in touch, and the reason why is because he has a big heart and he is a very good guy. So this is the reason why and then we see what happens."
Those final words linger. City are not pushing him out, but neither are they closing the door on a deal. Atletico, sensing an opening, are watching closely.
The question now is simple: does Grealish fight for a fresh chapter under Maresca in Manchester, or does he trade the Etihad for the cauldron of the Metropolitano and a manager who has built a career on reviving players with a point to prove?
