“Leave My Club – You’re Not Fit”: Pep Guardiola Reportedly Tells Jack Grealish to Leave Manchester City After Transfer Request
In a shocking twist that has rocked the Manchester City dressing room, reports have emerged claiming that manager Pep Guardiola has bluntly told Jack Grealish to “leave my club – you’re not fit,” following the England international’s submission of a formal transfer request. The explosive development adds a dramatic layer to City’s summer, already filled with high-profile departures, transfer speculation, and uncertainty over Guardiola’s own future.
Grealish’s exit seemed unlikely just months ago. Having played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s treble-winning 2022/23 campaign, the £100 million winger was once seen as a long-term piece in Guardiola’s masterplan. However, recent frustrations over form, fitness, and attitude appear to have pushed their relationship to the brink.
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The Backstory: From Hero to Headache
Jack Grealish arrived at Manchester City in the summer of 2021 for a British record fee from Aston Villa. His flair, creativity, and swagger were expected to bring an X-factor to Guardiola’s all-conquering side. After a lukewarm debut season, he blossomed in his second year, becoming instrumental in City’s Champions League triumph and consistently working his way into the starting XI.
But the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons have told a different story.
Injuries, inconsistent form, and off-the-pitch distractions have limited Grealish’s contributions. He’s often been overshadowed by the emergence of players like Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden, both of whom have operated in wide areas with more consistency and tactical discipline. Guardiola’s system demands high intensity, discipline, and focus—and Grealish has increasingly been accused of lacking all three.
His late returns from injury, struggles in training, and reportedly frequent nightlife appearances have not gone down well with City’s management team. While Guardiola has often defended his players publicly, those close to the club say the Catalan manager has grown weary of Grealish’s lifestyle clashing with the club’s professional standards.
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The Transfer Request: A Relationship Broken
According to sources close to the club, Grealish submitted a formal transfer request earlier this week, citing frustrations over playing time and a lack of faith from the coaching staff. He is believed to have told teammates that he “needs a fresh start” and no longer feels trusted at the Etihad.
Guardiola’s response, however, was reportedly sharp and uncompromising. In a meeting with the player and club officials, he is alleged to have said:
> “Leave my club – you’re not fit. You don’t have the focus or commitment this team demands anymore.”
This confrontation marks a stunning fall from grace for Grealish, who was once a fan favourite and a regular feature in City’s biggest matches. Those inside the club say the tone of the meeting made it clear that reconciliation was unlikely.
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Dressing Room Reaction: Divided Camp
The news has reportedly left the City dressing room divided. Some senior players, including Kyle Walker and John Stones—longtime England teammates of Grealish—are said to be disappointed by how the situation has unfolded. Others believe Pep has acted decisively to maintain the high standards that have defined the club’s historic success under his leadership.
One insider told reporters:
> “Grealish still has a lot of love in the dressing room. But Pep doesn’t tolerate half-measures. If you’re not giving 100% on the pitch and in training, there’s no second chance.”
The clash also highlights the shifting dynamics at City. Younger, hungrier players like Doku, Oscar Bobb, and even academy talents are pushing for places—and Pep is clearly prepared to back those who show consistency and discipline over big-name reputations.
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Where Could Grealish Go?
If Grealish’s time at Manchester City is over, the question becomes: where next?
Several clubs are already being linked with the winger, including:
Chelsea – With a focus on rebuilding and adding homegrown stars, Chelsea could offer Grealish a Premier League lifeline.
Tottenham Hotspur – Spurs have money to spend and are looking for attacking flair following the departure of several key players.
Saudi Pro League – Grealish’s commercial appeal and profile make him a prime target for Saudi clubs, who have previously expressed interest.
Aston Villa (Return) – A romantic return to his boyhood club under Unai Emery has not been ruled out, although Villa’s style and salary structure may not align perfectly.
Grealish has three years left on his City contract, and any exit would likely require a significant transfer fee—perhaps in the region of £50–60 million. City are reportedly open to negotiations but will not sell for a cut-price deal, especially to a domestic rival.
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Guardiola’s No-Nonsense Approach
This is not the first time Pep Guardiola has taken a hard stance against a high-profile player. From dropping Joe Hart in his first season to parting ways with Leroy Sané, João Cancelo, and Raheem Sterling, Guardiola has shown he will make bold decisions if he believes the squad’s harmony and focus are at risk.
In Grealish’s case, it appears Guardiola felt the player no longer aligned with the club’s values and discipline.
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano commented:
> “Guardiola values attitude as much as ability. Grealish is a top player, but when Pep feels you’re drifting from the project, he doesn’t hesitate. This feels like a decision based on culture, not just football.”
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Fan Reaction: Shock, Frustration, and Mixed Emotions
City fans have reacted with a mix of shock and resignation. While many still admire Grealish for his contributions during the treble-winning campaign, others believe the writing had been on the wall for some time.
On social media, one fan wrote:
> “Love what Jack did for us, but Pep doesn’t make these decisions lightly. If he’s told him to go, there must be a reason.”
Others criticised the timing of the transfer request and questioned Grealish’s professionalism, especially after a season riddled with injuries and patchy performances.
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The Bigger Picture: Changing of the Guard?
The potential exit of Jack Grealish could signal a broader evolution within Manchester City’s squad. With Guardiola himself hinting he may leave after the 2025–26 season, the club appears to be laying the groundwork for a new generation. Players like Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb, and Jeremy Doku are stepping up, while long-time stars like De Bruyne and Silva face uncertain futures.
If Grealish does depart, it will serve as another reminder of City’s ruthlessness in maintaining their standards—even when it means saying goodbye to expensive and once-untouchable talents.
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Conclusion: A Brutal Goodbye?
If the reports are accurate, Pep Guardiola telling Jack Grealish to “leave my club – you’re not fit” might go down as one of the most dramatic managerial-player bust-ups of the Guardiola era at City. It’s a brutal message, but one that speaks to the Catalan’s unflinching commitment to excellence.
Grealish’s City career, filled with highs and tainted by recent lows, may now be nearing its end. Whether his next chapter revives his career or becomes a cautionary tale, one thing is clear: there’s no room for compromise at Manchester City—not even for a £100 million star.
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