Sunderland in Talks for Jack Grealish Loan from Manchester City

Sunderland are pushing for one of the most eye‑catching moves of the window, holding talks with Manchester City over a loan deal for Jack Grealish, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

This is no simple short-term fix. The discussions include an option to buy next year, when Grealish’s contract at the Etihad Stadium runs out. Sunderland also want City to keep paying a portion of his wages to make the deal viable.

Grealish on the Move

Grealish has been edging towards the exit for some time. His future has felt uncertain all summer, with both a loan and a permanent transfer on the table.

Under Enzo Maresca, his role has shrunk sharply. The new City manager has not viewed him as a regular starter, using him only twice so far: in the Community Shield against Arsenal and in the home match against Bournemouth. For a player signed to be a game-changer, those numbers tell their own story.

Last season, City sent the technically gifted midfielder on loan to Everton. In flashes, he reminded everyone why he once commanded a huge fee: two goals and six assists in 22 appearances. Then came the setback. A stress fracture in his foot in January cut his season short and sent him into a long rehabilitation.

From €117m Man to the Exit Door

City paid a staggering €117 million to bring Grealish to Manchester in 2021. He collected medals at a relentless pace: multiple league titles and the Champions League crown in 2023. Across all competitions, he has pulled on the City shirt 159 times.

But the trajectory has been clear. His minutes have steadily dwindled, even before Maresca’s arrival. Pep Guardiola repeatedly stressed that leaving Grealish out was not a personal slight, yet the team sheet told a different, colder truth. Now, City appear ready to move on.

For Sunderland, this is an opportunity to grab a proven Premier League creator whose career needs a jolt of energy and trust.

Sunderland’s Ambition Grows

Grealish is not the only attacking talent on Sunderland’s radar. Sky Sports report that the club are also keen on Igor Paixão from Olympique Marseille and have already lodged a bid for the Brazilian.

Two ambitious moves, one clear message: Sunderland are not content to simply make up the numbers. If they can land Grealish and add Paixão, this window could redefine what the club expects from the season ahead.