‘Shocking Mismanagement!’ – Gabriel Agbonlahor Blasts Guardiola for Sidelining ‘Incredible’ Man City Player Who Could Be Lighting Up the Premier League!
This season has been far from smooth sailing for Manchester City, as a number of their iconic players have struggled to reach their usual high standards. After years of relentless dominance under Pep Guardiola — a period that has elevated the club into discussions as the greatest Premier League side of all time — City now find themselves embroiled in a tense battle just to secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. A position they’ve typically coasted into with ease now seems to be a genuine challenge.
At the heart of this decline has been a noticeable dip in form from some of City’s most reliable veterans. Kevin De Bruyne, a talismanic presence for so long, is expected to call time on his glittering spell at the Etihad Stadium this summer. Meanwhile, full-back Kyle Walker’s time with the club appears to be over as well, having completed a loan move to AC Milan in January that could become permanent. With age catching up to some of their seasoned stars, there’s a growing sense that a new era may be looming on the horizon for Guardiola’s squad.
As speculation continues to swirl around the futures of several key figures, former Aston Villa and England striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has weighed in with some pointed remarks, singling out one player he believes has endured an especially unfortunate campaign — Jack Grealish.
Agbonlahor: Grealish Must Make a Big Call Ahead of World Cup Year
Since his headline-making £100 million move from Aston Villa in the summer of 2021, Grealish has had an uneven journey in Manchester. Though he played a pivotal role in City’s historic treble-winning 2022/23 season — arguably his finest year at the club — the 2024/25 campaign has been a different story entirely. Grealish has started just one of City’s last 15 Premier League fixtures, raising questions about his standing within the squad and his relationship with Guardiola.
Former goalkeeper Shay Given recently suggested that a falling-out between Grealish and the City boss might explain the winger’s reduced role. While no such rift has been publicly confirmed, fans have voiced frustration over Grealish’s lack of involvement. Many have called for him to be deployed in a central attacking role — especially after he impressed in the number ten position during a win over Leicester City — but Guardiola has been hesitant to make that switch on a consistent basis.
Agbonlahor believes the time has come for Grealish to seriously assess his future — especially with the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada fast approaching.
“I think it’s a huge decision for him this summer,” Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT. “The World Cup is next year and if Jack wants to be part of that England squad, he needs a full season of regular football. You can’t do that sitting on the bench. He loves it at Manchester City, no doubt. He’s not someone who’ll want to give up easily, but it’s been a shame not to see more of him this season. He hasn’t had the minutes he deserves.”
Guardiola Still Holds Grealish in High Regard
Despite the ongoing rumours and uncertainty, Guardiola has continued to speak warmly about Grealish in public. After the winger netted his first Premier League goal of the season in a recent game against Leicester — a goal he emotionally dedicated to his late brother — Guardiola was quick to heap praise on him.
“Jack is an incredible human being,” Guardiola said during his post-match press conference, as reported by Beanyman Sports. “I didn’t know about the anniversary [of his brother’s passing]. I can’t imagine how tough it must be for his family. It’s beautiful that he honoured his memory with a goal. He played well — a good game from him.”
These comments suggest that, at least publicly, Guardiola maintains a high level of respect and affection for the 29-year-old. However, respect doesn’t always translate into playing time — and with City constantly evolving tactically and bolstering their squad with fresh talent, Grealish may struggle to reclaim a consistent starting role.
What Comes Next for Grealish?
Grealish has made it clear that he loves life at Manchester City and wants to remain at the club. But with the World Cup looming and places in Gareth Southgate’s England squad fiercely contested, the former Villa captain may need to consider whether staying at City is compatible with his international ambitions.
If he does decide to seek a move, several Premier League clubs would be keen to bring him on board. Aston Villa would undoubtedly welcome a romantic return, while Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are both said to be monitoring his situation closely, ready to pounce should he become available.
At 29, Grealish is entering what many would consider the peak years of his career. The months ahead could be crucial in determining whether he continues to be a bit-part player at the Etihad or takes a bold step in pursuit of regular football elsewhere. With the clock ticking towards the 2026 World Cup, the England star may soon be forced to choose between loyalty to City and the dream of representing his country on the world’s biggest stage.
