2024 has been a year to forget for Jack Grealish, whose lack of form and fitness has compounded a challenging period for the Manchester City forward.
Across a calendar year that included being omitted from England’s Euro 2024 squad, losing his place in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI, and enduring City’s worst losing streak in modern history, Grealish failed to score a single club goal.
In 32 matches across all competitions, Grealish played 1,601 minutes, took 34 shots (only eight on target), and provided three assists. This marks the first time in his professional career that he has gone an entire calendar year without a goal at the club level. His last competitive club goal came on December 16, 2023, in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.
Despite contributing two goals for England during Lee Carsley’s brief interim tenure, Grealish has struggled to replicate such moments for City. Injuries have played a role, sidelining him for 39 days in 2024, a period exceeding the number of shots he has managed this year.
Grealish’s form is not just about a lack of goals. Guardiola publicly called for more “brilliance” from his £100 million signing at the start of the 2023/24 season, but that appeal remains unanswered. The forward’s inability to create or convert opportunities consistently has raised questions about his place in Guardiola’s system, especially as City look to maintain their dominance despite injuries and squad rotation.
As the January transfer window opens, speculation around Grealish’s future has intensified. Reports suggest that Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are monitoring the situation, potentially offering an escape route for the struggling winger. However, with Manchester City dealing with their injury crises, letting Grealish leave could be a gamble unless a suitable replacement is secured.
While Grealish has endured a tough year, he remains a player with undeniable talent and potential to rediscover his best form. Whether that will happen at Manchester City or elsewhere may depend on the opportunities he is given—and takes—in the coming months.