Grealish to Tottenham: Transfer fee, salary and likely shirt number for Man City ace
Jack Grealish has emerged as a top target for Tottenham as they look to capitalise on his situation at Manchester City.
The England international has seen his game time significantly decline this season, with his recent omission from Pep Guardiola’s Club World Cup squad increasing Tottenham’s odds to sign Grealish.
City will hold out for a £50million transfer fee for the 29-year-old as they look to recoup half of the original fee they paid Aston Villa in 2021.
Grealish, who has two years left on his contract, is keen on a move away from Manchester as he looks to get his career back on track in time for the 2026 World Cup.
Daniel Levy will wince at his current salary, which is widely reported to be £300,000, and will look to negotiate a far lower figure that would adhere to the current wage structure at the club.
Grealish will have an eye on the number seven shirt
Tottenham are in the middle of an overhaul which has left the futures of multiple players in doubt.
Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal has confused members of the Spurs squad and could lead to an exodus of those loyal to the Australian.
One of the players that could be on the move is Son Heung-Min, who has been linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.
His departure would free up the number seven shirt for the first time since 2015, which Grealish would look to make his own should he move to Spurs.
It’s the same number that the former Villa player wears for England, but should the club captain stay, it goes without saying that it would not be available.
He may instead opt for the shirt worn by Mathys Tel this season, 11, should the French forward fail to secure an unpopular permanent transfer from Bayern Munich.
Grealish could be short-term successor to Son
Son’s iconic status only rose to new heights after he became the first captain to lift a trophy since Ledley King, but his performances have gone in the opposite direction.
The 32-year-old has looked a shadow of his former self at times this season, with his dribbling abilities in particular starting to fade.
Before working with Guardiola, this was Grealish’s bread and butter, and his arrival at Spurs could give them huge attacking impetus on the left-hand side if the England international can recoup his prior form.
His experience would also provide excellent guidance to players like Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore, and could prove to be a smart move for Tottenham.