The first British player to cost a nine-figure sum receives some of the biggest cheers of anyone in the Manchester City squad at grounds up and down the country...and the biggest boos while the game is on.
His price-tag and reputation puts more scrutiny on his game, and there are fresh questions to answer after his poor form for the Blues saw him left out of an England squad that has now, somehow, reached the semi-finals of the European Championship.
With gossip that he could be leaving City failing to go away despite all sensible signs pointing towards him staying at the club, our writers look at what Grealish and the club will be thinking at a crucial point in his career at the Etihad.
SIMON BAJKOWSKI: Jack Grealish is obviously staying at City this season, where he is effectively auditioning for his future. Pep Guardiola is prepared to continue with the forward because he knows how good he can be, but if there has still only been one good season at the end of his fourth year at the Etihad then City will not be as keen to keep him.
As well as the fact City aren't looking to sell him, one of the reasons he was never going anywhere this summer was because of the value he still has. Arsenal are one of a few clubs that could afford him, but their interest appears to have been either misinterpreted or manufactured from an opinion piece on a website rather than backed by any actual news or facts.
Once again, the question comes up of how you would replace a City player if they were to leave, and once again it is difficult. Grealish brings such rare qualities to the team with his performances that Guardiola pushed for his £100m release clause to be broken in 2021 because he could not see the same talent elsewhere.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
I've gone from this kid with a dream to singing for the Pope
SCOTTISH SINGER EMELI SANDÉ REFLECTS ON RECONNECTING WITH HER ROOTS AND TAKING CONTROL OF HER MUSIC THROUGH STARTING HER OWN LABEL.
'Annoyed' Blues boss is 'obsessively' working to halt a dismal run of form
PEP Guardiola is 'annoyed' and 'obsessively' looking for a solution to City's drastic drop in form.
Coe has appetite for change in IOC
LONDON 2012 GURU IS OUT TO REFORM OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
Hospice funding help is welcomed
HOSPICES in England have welcomed a multimillion funding boost but the Government has been accused of “giving with one hand and taking with the other” amid costs caused by a national insurance rise.
Starmer backs Siddiq
SIR Keir Starmer has backed Tulip Siddiq, Downing Street indicated, after the Treasury minister was named in an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh.
'Uncertainty' is cause of rate freeze
THE Bank of England has held interest rates at 4.75% due to “heightened uncertainty in the economy” following the UK Budget and US presidential election.
The art of connecting with nature
I will always insist that getting outdoors is the best way to engage with the amazing nature we have in Manchester.
Drug dealer lived high life before arrest
A DRUG dealer who enjoyed luxury holidays in Dubai with his ill-gotten gains was caught out after being stopped in the street by police.
100mph racer killed England youth footballer
A 'BOY racer' who reached speeds of almost 100mph at an unauthorised car meet later struck and killed a budding young footballer.
Charity calls for inquiry into GMP use of Traveller dispersal order
A CHARITY representing Romani Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller communities has brought an official complaint against Greater Manchester Police following the force’s controversial use of a dispersal order.
