West Ham enter Jack Grealish transfer race but key issue remains as Manchester City winger attempts to engineer summer exit

While West Ham are intrigued by the prospect of adding Grealish to their ranks, any potential move hinges on a significant wage reduction. Grealish is currently on a £300,000-a-week contract at City, a figure the east London club is unable to match under their financial structure, as revealed by Ben Jacobs.

Tottenham Hotspur had previously shown interest in the former Aston Villa captain, but their pursuit has reportedly cooled. This shift has opened the door for West Ham to move in as a serious contender. Additionally, Everton are believed to be observing the situation, but they are only keen on a loan deal.

Grealish endured a frustrating 2024-25 campaign at City. Despite being fit for most of the season, he managed only 32 appearances across all competitions. Even more concerning was his limited presence in the Premier League, making just seven starts in the domestic top flight, with only one of those coming in 2025.

While West Ham’s interest is firm, Grealish has also been linked with moves abroad. Bayern Munich and Napoli have both been touted as possible destinations, offering the chance to reunite with former team-mates Harry Kane and Kevin De Bruyne, respectively.

With Thomas Tuchel now at the helm of the England national team, Grealish knows consistent minutes at club level are crucial if he wants to be part of the Three Lions squad for the 2026 World Cup. Remaining at City risks further stagnation in his career, something he cannot afford if he wishes to revive his international ambitions. And with pre-season preparations set to begin in full swing, he is eager to join a club where he can regain his form, confidence and regular playing time.