Pep urged to offload Man City flop as next potential Grealish disappointment
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has established a reputation for making tough decisions regarding player transfers. His track record includes high-profile departures like Joe Hart and Raheem Sterling, both of whom left the club under his direction. As the current season unfolds, it appears that Jack Grealish and young talent Savinho may be next on the chopping block.
Grealish: A High-Profile Departure
Jack Grealish joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a British record fee of £100 million. While he earned a Champions League medal with the team, his time at City was marked by inconsistent performances. Last season, Grealish made only 32 appearances, and his role diminished significantly, particularly after he played just seven times in the Premier League following Boxing Day.
His departure became inevitable after being overlooked during crucial matches, such as the FA Cup semi-final. Following this, Grealish was loaned to Everton with an option to purchase for £50 million. This move has revitalized him, as he has already contributed five goals and assists in 13 outings under manager David Moyes.
Savinho’s Struggles at Manchester City
As the 2025/26 season progresses, Savinho finds himself in a predicament similar to Grealish’s. The 21-year-old Brazilian has made 62 appearances for City, with a notable prior season where he scored and assisted 14 goals. However, this term has been less fruitful, contributing only one goal in the Carabao Cup and two assists in 14 matches.
Criticism of his recent performances has been voiced by fans and analysts alike. Notably, sports writer Amos Murphy described Savinho’s performances as “awful,” particularly highlighting his efforts in a recent defeat against Newcastle United.
Key Statistics from Savinho’s Last Two Seasons
| Statistic | 2024/25 | 2025/26 |
|---|---|---|
| Key Passes (per 90) | 2.3 | 1.8 |
| Dribbles Completed (per 90) | 2.8 | 2.0 |
| Big Chances Created (per 90) | 0.5 | 0.4 |
| Expected Goal Involvements | 0.46 xG | 0.28 xG |
| Tackles and Interceptions | 1.4 | 1.3 |
As the season continues, it is vital for Savinho to improve his form. With an eye on both the Premier League and Champions League titles, Guardiola will require all players at their peak performance. Should Savinho’s struggles persist, he may soon mirror Grealish’s experience as another player deemed surplus to requirements by the City boss.
