Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne: Tales of Departure at Manchester City

Manchester City is preparing for a summer of emotional farewells and difficult decisions. Two contrasting stories have emerged in recent weeks, each centered around beloved midfielders whose trajectories at the Etihad Stadium now appear to be heading in opposite directions. While Kevin De Bruyne prepares for a well-earned, celebrated departure, Jack Grealish faces a more uncertain, possibly painful exit from the club he joined with sky-high expectations.

Grealish, once the poster boy for English football’s flair and marketability, is grappling with an unexpected decline in form and influence. Signed for a record-breaking £100 million from Aston Villa in 2022, the midfielder was meant to be the crown jewel in Pep Guardiola’s evolving Manchester City squad. Just two seasons ago, he played a key role in City’s historic treble-winning campaign, etching his name into club folklore. Fast forward to the 2024/25 season, and Grealish has been reduced to a fringe figure, struggling for game time and relevance.

The numbers tell a harsh story. Grealish has managed just seven Premier League starts this season, with injuries, tactical shifts, and intense competition within City’s star-studded squad combining to limit his impact. In the recent FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, his exclusion from the starting eleven—and even from the bench—spoke volumes. Guardiola, known for his ruthless footballing decisions, appears to have moved past Grealish in his long-term plans.

This downturn has not only affected Grealish’s club status but also raised alarm bells over his place in the England setup. Once considered a lock for Gareth Southgate’s squad, his current lack of minutes threatens to derail his international ambitions at a time when he should be approaching his peak.

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke recently offered a sobering yet honest assessment of Grealish’s predicament. Speaking to Samba Slots, Yorke advised the 29-year-old to seriously consider a move away from the Premier League, possibly even outside Europe. “He can’t just sit there because he’s not getting any younger,” Yorke said. “Maybe he will think about how he won everything in the game and look at Saudi or MLS to close his career. In the MLS, he could build his brand.”

Indeed, the idea of Grealish heading to Major League Soccer is more than just speculation. With commercial deals with Gucci, Bose, and Pepsi already in place, Grealish represents more than just a footballer—he’s a brand. In markets like Los Angeles, Miami, or New York, where entertainment, sport, and marketing intersect, the English midfielder could find the perfect stage to prolong his career while expanding his off-field profile.

Reports have also hinted at a growing distance between Grealish and Guardiola. Though Pep publicly apologized in February for not giving Grealish “the minutes he deserves,” the statement did little to alter the player’s fortunes. In a recent press conference, Guardiola downplayed any rumors about an imminent departure, saying, “We didn’t talk… What is going to happen will happen.” It was a diplomatic response but not a reassuring one.

Grealish’s disappointing statistics this season—just two goals and three assists across all competitions—stand in stark contrast to the high expectations that came with his record transfer. Injuries played a part, but so did Guardiola’s evolving tactics, which have increasingly favored quicker, more versatile wingers. Players like Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden have taken the spotlight, pushing Grealish further down the pecking order.

As for what comes next, Grealish has no shortage of options. A move to a Premier League club like Newcastle United or even a return to Aston Villa has been mentioned, though neither can offer the same guarantees of silverware or global exposure as City once did. Serie A also emerges as an intriguing possibility, with clubs like AC Milan and Inter Milan historically welcoming English players seeking a new environment and slower tempo.

Yet the pull of MLS or the Saudi Pro League could prove stronger. With David Beckham’s Inter Miami attracting superstars like Messi and Suárez, and Saudi Arabia’s league boasting the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Grealish wouldn’t be short of high-profile company. The lifestyle, money, and branding opportunities available in both leagues might just make a tempting case for a fresh start.

While Grealish ponders his next move amid career turbulence, Kevin De Bruyne prepares to say goodbye on his own terms. The Belgian maestro, now 33, will leave Manchester City this summer after ten magnificent years. In that time, he’s helped deliver six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, and the cherished Champions League title in 2023.

City is planning a grand farewell for De Bruyne, one that befits his legendary status. Following the club’s final home match against Bournemouth, the midfielder will be honored with a special ceremony including a light show, commemorative gifts, and the rare gesture of a lifetime season ticket—an accolade previously awarded to club greats like David Silva and Vincent Kompany.

De Bruyne’s exit is a celebration, a chapter concluding on a high. Grealish, however, finds himself at a crossroads. Will he seek redemption in the Premier League? A creative rebirth in Italy? Or a brand-building venture in America or Saudi Arabia?

One thing is clear: both players are leaving their mark on Manchester City in different ways. For De Bruyne, the farewell is glorious and well-earned. For Grealish, it’s a tale still being written—one that will define whether his legacy is remembered as unfulfilled promise or an eventual reinvention.