Man City Exclude Grealish and Walker from Club World Cup Squad Amid £114m New Signings

Jack Grealish Excluded from Manchester City’s Club World Cup Squad Amid Exit Rumors
By Lewis Browning | Updated: 18:55 BST, 11 June 2025

Manchester City have confirmed their 27-man squad for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, with Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker notably omitted. The duo’s absence signals potential exits this summer, as Pep Guardiola reshapes his squad after a lackluster season.

Jack Grealish has been left out of Manchester City’s squad for the Club World Cup.

Grealish’s Uncertain Future
Grealish, who started just seven games last season, has been granted permission to seek a new club. Despite two years remaining on his £300,000-a-week contract, Guardiola acknowledged the winger’s need for regular playtime to revive his career and England prospects. Clubs in England and Europe, including Everton, have shown interest, though financial constraints may favor a loan deal over a permanent transfer. England manager Thomas Tuchel has reportedly warned Grealish that consistent minutes are crucial for international selection.

Walker, meanwhile, will not return to City after a turbulent loan spell at AC Milan and off-field controversies. The defender, whose contract expires in 2026, faced personal scrutiny after fathering two children with influencer Lauryn Goodman while married to Annie Kilner.

Kyle Walker’s City career ended after a loan move to AC Milan and personal controversies.

New Signings Bolster Squad
City scrambled to strengthen their roster ahead of the Club World Cup, adding £114m worth of talent before the transfer deadline:

• Rayan Ait-Nouri (£33.7m from Wolves): Bolsters defensive options.
• Ryan Cherki (£34m from Lyon): Adds creativity in midfield.
• Tijjani Reijnders (£46m from AC Milan): Strengthens the midfield.
• Marcus Bettinelli (Undisclosed fee from Chelsea): Provides goalkeeping depth.

Rayan Ait-Nouri headlines Manchester City’s deadline-day signings.

Guardiola’s Squad for Club World Cup
City’s squad for the tournament, based in Florida, includes seasoned stars and new arrivals:

• Goalkeepers: Ederson, Stefan Ortega, Marcus Bettinelli
• Defenders: Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Aké, Josko Gvardiol
• Midfielders: Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Ryan Cherki
• Forwards: Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush

Grealish recently clapped back at critics on social media, defending his recent form: “I’ve been bad lately? Scored 3 goals in my last 3 appearances over 45 mins…” His exclusion from the squad, however, suggests Guardiola is planning without him.

Pep Guardiola aims to reclaim dominance with a refreshed squad in the U.S.

With City set to face Wydad, Juventus, and Al Ain in the group stage, all eyes will be on how Guardiola integrates new signings while navigating Grealish and Walker’s exits. The Club World Cup marks a fresh start for City—but not for two of their once-key players.

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