Manchester City set to use Jack Grealish as a makeweight in a high-profile swap deal involving a Premier League star
1. The Swap Deal Rumour—Grealish for Lucas Paquetá?
Late on, reports surfaced that Manchester City are eyeing West Ham’s talented midfielder Lucas Paquetá. To facilitate a deal—estimated at around £50 million—City might offer Jack Grealish as part of the exchange to offset costs.
Lucas Paquetá has previously drawn admiration from Guardiola, who praised him in August 2024 as a “key man” capable of playing in multiple roles. This swap could appeal to both clubs: West Ham would gain a marquee name, while City would acquire a dynamic midfielder they value.
2. Grealish’s Waning Role at Manchester City
A. Falling Out of Favour
Grealish’s status at City has diminished significantly—he was dropped from key squads, including the Club World Cup, and limited to only a handful of starts last season.
City have set his valuation much lower than they once paid—around £40 million—representing a staggering £60 million loss from his original £100m price tag.
B. Loan Interests Ongoing
While City explore permanent moves, Everton is leading the chase for a season-long loan, at least partly funding Grealish’s considerable £300,000/week wage—though clubs must bear that cost themselves.
3. Why Grealish as a Makeweight Makes Sense (Strategically)
A. Financial Logic
Offering Grealish in a swap could make a deal more viable, lowering the cash barrier and improving the appeal to West Ham.
B. Mutually Beneficial
- For Manchester City: Clears room in midfield and trims wage bills while bringing in a fresh creative force.
- For West Ham: Acquires a former British-record signing with star potential—tailored for marquee impact.
C. Tactical Fit
Paquetá fits Guardiola’s evolving blueprint—versatile, technically sharp, and tactically disciplined—whereas Grealish’s more free-flowing style has proven inconsistent in this setup.
4. Potential Challenges to the Swap
A. Wage Discrepancies
Grealish’s salary remains a major hurdle. City may need to subsidize wages or West Ham may face financial constraints.
B. Value Misalignment
While City see Paquetá as worth £50m, West Ham may view Grealish’s diminished form and value as misaligned, complicating direct offer parity.
C. Uncertainty Around Grealish’s Desire
Having reportedly “accepted his time at the Etihad is over,” Grealish might prefer a loan move or a different environment entirely.
5. Fan Sentiment & Market Perspective
While not as prominent as sources, fan discussions underscore the skepticism and frustration around City’s handling of Grealish—and whether such a swap would equate to value for either club.
6. Projected Scenarios
| Scenario | Implication |
|---|---|
| Swap deal succeeds | City get Paquetá, West Ham get Grealish; wage negotiations key |
| Loan deal persists | Everton obtains Grealish temporarily; long-term exit postponed |
| Sale at reduced fee | Decline in Grealish’s valuation; financial loss for City |
Conclusion
The rumor that Manchester City may utilize Jack Grealish as a makeweight in a swap for Lucas Paquetá is plausible and strategically sensible. It addresses key challenges: offloading a high-earner, refreshing midfield creativity, and enhancing tactical balance.
But obstacles remain—chiefly wages, valuation alignment, and the player’s own preferences. As the summer window unfolds, the next moves from City, West Ham, and possibly Everton will determine if this intriguing swap materializes or remains speculation.
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