Guardiola’s Worst Signings: Where Does Jack Grealish Rank?

Jack Grealish, Pep Guardiola’s top 10 worst-ever signings, have come under renewed scrutiny following Grealish’s loan move to Everton. The England midfielder, once heralded as Manchester City’s record transfer, never fully gelled with Guardiola’s demanding philosophy, leading many to question both the transfer and his legacy at the Etihad Stadium.

Jack Grealish and Pep Guardiola’s Transfer Gamble

Jack Grealish’s arrival at Manchester City in 2021 was met with enormous expectations. A British-record £100 million deal from Aston Villa made headlines, positioning Grealish as the creative spark to elevate a squad already brimming with talent. Yet, the union quickly revealed its flaws. Grealish, a player known for improvisation and flair, struggled to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s rigid, system-based approach. Despite flashes of brilliance—most notably during City’s 2023 treble-winning campaign—his influence waned, and he found himself sidelined during crucial matches.

The Struggles and Downfall at Manchester City

By early 2024, Grealish had slipped further down the pecking order, with Guardiola favoring new arrivals like Jeremy Doku and Savinho. His omission from the Club World Cup squad signaled a definitive end to his City chapter. Guardiola’s public admission—”Do I want the Jack that won the treble? Yeah, I want it, but I try to be honest with myself”—spoke volumes about the manager’s disappointment and Grealish’s inability to recapture peak form.

Pep Guardiola’s Top 10 Worst Signings: Grealish Amid the List

Jack Grealish’s struggles place him firmly in the conversation about Pep Guardiola’s top 10 worst-ever signings. The Manchester City boss, celebrated for tactical genius and relentless pursuit of perfection, has seen several high-profile acquisitions backfire over the years. Alongside Grealish, names like Zlatan Ibrahimovic (signed during Guardiola’s Barcelona tenure) and others like Claudio Bravo and Benjamin Mendy highlight that even the best managers sometimes misfire in the transfer market.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: An Expensive Misfit

Ibrahimovic’s arrival at Barcelona was supposed to be a masterstroke, blending firepower with technical brilliance. However, personality clashes and tactical incompatibility saw the Swede depart after just one season, making his transfer one of Guardiola’s most infamous errors.

Other Ill-Fated Signees Under Guardiola

In addition to Grealish and Ibrahimovic, Guardiola’s record includes several other signings who failed to live up to expectations:

• Claudio Bravo: Brought in to replace Joe Hart, Bravo struggled under Premier League pressure.
• Benjamin Mendy: Persistent injuries hampered a promising start, limiting his contributions significantly.
• Eliaquim Mangala: Signed with great hope but never became a regular starter.
• Danilo, Nolito, and others: Each failed to cement their place in Guardiola’s vision for City.

Why Do These Transfers Fail?

Adaptation challenges often lie at the heart of these failed signings. Guardiola’s teams demand discipline, tactical intelligence, and the ability to function within a well-drilled system. Players who thrive on individualism or lack positional versatility often struggle, as witnessed with Grealish and Ibrahimovic.

The Impact of Grealish’s Departure and Manchester City’s Response

Grealish’s move to Everton marks not just the end of a disappointing era for player and coach, but also a lesson in the unpredictability of high-profile transfers. City, for their part, have wasted no time in reinforcing the squad with dynamic, system-fit players like Doku, Savinho, and Rayan Cherki, signaling a clear shift in recruitment strategy.

How Will Grealish Fare at Everton?

Everton offers Grealish a chance at redemption—a platform to rediscover his confidence and showcase his undoubted talent. Away from Guardiola’s tactical constraints, he may thrive in a more expressive role, potentially reigniting his England prospects.

Pep Guardiola’s Transfer Record: Not Always Spotless

Despite his immense success, Guardiola’s transfer record is a reminder that even elite managers face challenges in identifying the right fit. For more news on football transfers, analysis, and global football coverage, visit for more news.

Opinion: Lessons Learned from Grealish’s City Stint

Jack Grealish’s spell at Manchester City encapsulates the risks of high-profile transfers in modern football. While Guardiola’s system has produced historic results, it isn’t immune to mistakes. Both player and manager can draw lessons from this experience: adaptability and mutual understanding are crucial, and the allure of a marquee signing must always be balanced against team dynamics. As Grealish starts afresh at Everton, City’s transfer approach will surely evolve, ensuring the right blend of talent and tactical suitability in the quest for future glory.