Jack Grealish (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Jack Grealish could revive his career at Bayer Leverkusen if Florian Wirtz joins Liverpool, with Erik ten Hag reportedly keen on the out-of-favour Manchester City star.
Jack Grealish has emerged as a surprise candidate to replace Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen, with the German club preparing for the possible departure of their playmaker to Liverpool.
Liverpool have lodged multiple bids for Wirtz, with the latest rumoured to be around £115 million, though Leverkusen value the German star at £126m. Should the deal go through, Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag reportedly views Grealish as an ideal successor.
Grealish has been left out of Manchester City's FIFA Club World Cup squad and appears to have no future under Pep Guardiola. The 29-year-old made just seven Premier League starts in 2024/25 and has openly been told he needs regular minutes to resurrect his career.
Guardiola said: "Of course Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player. It didn’t happen this season or last. He needs to play—with us or elsewhere."
Ten Hag, who recently joined Leverkusen, is said to admire Grealish and may look to bring him in as part of a post-Wirtz rebuild. The club has already signed goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Brentford, and the potential windfall from a Wirtz transfer would give them more room to strengthen.
Grealish earns £300,000-a-week, a figure that could complicate any move, but sources close to the player claim he is open to a switch abroad. He is also motivated to reignite his international career ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
While a return to Aston Villa has been considered, the club’s lack of Champions League football next season could hinder a reunion. Leverkusen, meanwhile, will compete in Europe’s top competition and can offer the platform Grealish needs to rebuild his reputation.