Sunderland’s transfer activity has taken another unexpected turn, with reports on Wednesday that the Championship side is exploring a move for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish. The 30-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Everton, has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, making him a viable option for clubs willing to meet City’s valuation. Sunderland, managed by Regis Le Bris, are prioritising wide reinforcements and have already submitted a bid for Marseille’s Igor Paixao, while also tracking Sporting Lisbon’s Geny Catamo. The Grealish pursuit highlights City’s own squad imbalances after recent departures.
Why Sunderland want Grealish now
Sunderland’s interest in Grealish is driven by urgency. The Black Cats have struggled to find consistent width in their attack this season, and the departure of Savio to Tottenham—alongside Omar Marmoush’s impending move—has left City short of senior options on the flanks. With Jeremy Doku sidelined for two to three weeks with a calf injury, Maresca’s attacking options are further depleted. Grealish, despite being used sparingly off the bench in City’s Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and their Premier League opener against Bournemouth, remains a proven Premier League performer. Sunderland’s willingness to consider both a loan and a permanent deal reflects their flexibility, though City’s valuation may prove a sticking point.
The timing also suits Grealish. At 30, he is no longer a long-term fixture in City’s plans, and a move to Sunderland—where he has prior Premier League experience—could offer a final high-profile chapter before retirement. Everton, his former loan club, remain interested in bringing him back, but Sunderland’s bid suggests they are prepared to act decisively. Regis Le Bris’ side have already shown their intent in the transfer market, with a firm offer for Paixao submitted this week after Leeds’ failed pursuit last summer. The Grealish pursuit, if successful, would mark a significant statement of intent from a club aiming to strengthen their squad.
City’s squad reshuffle accelerates
Manchester City’s transfer activity this summer has been defined by rebuilding rather than reinforcement. The departure of Rodri to Barcelona for £65m, Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid on a free transfer, and Tijjani Reinders to Al-Qadsiah for £52m has forced a fundamental overhaul. The club’s response has been aggressive: they signed 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a reported £85.6m, while also pursuing Enzo Fernández from Chelsea despite missing the Blues’ informal deadline. Bouaddi, who impressed at the World Cup with Morocco, has been hailed by City as a “collective player” who balances the team, fitting Maresca’s system perfectly.
Yet the Grealish situation reveals the fragility of City’s current squad depth. With Doku injured and Allan—signed from Palmeiras for £116m—yet to complete his move, Maresca is left relying on Semenyo and Grealish as his only senior out-and-out wingers. Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki have been deployed there, but their natural positions are central. The Grealish scenario, therefore, is less about Sunderland exploiting a weakness than City recognising that their own squad planning has left gaps. The club’s willingness to entertain a late deal for Grealish—even as a loan—suggests they are prioritising flexibility over sentiment.
What comes next for both clubs
For Sunderland, the next 48 hours will be critical. The Black Cats are also in advanced talks over Geny Catamo, the Mozambique winger with a release clause at Sporting Lisbon, and have made Paixao their primary target. If Grealish’s valuation proves prohibitive, Paixao could become their fallback option, though Marseille’s need to raise funds complicates negotiations. Meanwhile, City’s pursuit of Fernández continues, with reports suggesting they are prepared to make a late bid despite Chelsea’s resistance. The Blues’ stance—holding out for upwards of £120m—has already seen them miss an informal deadline, but City’s financial muscle means they cannot be ruled out.
The Grealish transfer, if it materialises, would be a coup for Sunderland but a necessary compromise for City. The club’s rebuild has been swift and ruthless, with recent poor purchases culled in favour of younger, high-potential talent. Grealish’s experience could still be valuable in a transitional season, but his departure would underscore City’s willingness to move on from players who no longer fit their long-term vision. For Sunderland, the move would signal their intent to strengthen their squad, even if it means outbidding rivals like Everton.
One thing is certain: the next few days will shape both clubs’ trajectories. Sunderland’s window is open but narrowing; City’s squad is in flux. The Grealish saga is far from over.
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