Manchester City supporters have delivered a remarkably clear message about Jack Grealish’s future, with the overwhelming mood among fans appearing to favour an exit rather than another attempt to revive his career at the Etihad.
The debate was sparked by a City Xtra post highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Grealish. Manchester City have reportedly left all options open for the England international, meaning he could stay at the club, leave on loan again or depart permanently.
#ManCity sources have left all options open for Jack Grealish’s future this week: staying at the club, going on loan again, or leaving permanently.
[via @ShamoonHafez]
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 25, 2026
That uncertainty has prompted a strong reaction from City supporters on X.
For many fans, there is little appetite for another season of waiting to see whether Grealish can rediscover his best form. Instead, they believe Manchester City should find a permanent solution and move forward.
One supporter summed up the mood bluntly: “leave is the only option.”
Another simply wrote: “Just leave mate.”
Those reactions captured the dominant feeling among the responses.
Man City fans want Grealish to leave permanently
The strongest theme from the Manchester City fan reaction was a preference for Grealish to leave permanently.
One supporter wrote: “He should leave permanently please we don’t need him.”
Another was equally direct, posting: “Leave permanently.”f**k
There was also a particularly blunt response from a fan who said: “Anything but staying.”
That sentiment is important because the current situation gives Manchester City several possible routes.
Grealish could remain at the club and attempt to convince new manager Enzo Maresca that he deserves an important role. He could go out on loan again, giving him another opportunity to rebuild his confidence and regular playing time elsewhere. Or City could pursue a permanent transfer.
Based on the reactions to the City Xtra post, however, many supporters appear to have already made their choice.
They want the third option.
“Just get rid” – patience appears to be running out
Some of the strongest comments suggested that supporters are tired of the uncertainty surrounding Grealish.
One fan wrote: “Just get rid lmao fck all this sentiment bs it’s 2026.”
While the wording was deliberately provocative, the underlying message was clear. For this section of the fanbase, Grealish’s reputation and previous contributions should not outweigh the question of what is best for the current Manchester City squad.
Another supporter posted: “He should just run away.”
A further reaction simply read: “He should just leave man.”
These comments demonstrate how quickly the conversation around a player can change when expectations are not met over a sustained period.
Grealish arrived at Manchester City with enormous expectations. His transfer represented a major investment, and his early years at the club produced moments of quality and important contributions.
However, supporters judging the current squad are looking forward rather than backward.
The arrival of Maresca also creates another layer to the situation.
Maresca gives Grealish another chance
With Maresca now in charge after succeeding Pep Guardiola in June 2026, Grealish technically has a fresh opportunity.
A new manager can change the fortunes of players who struggled under a previous coach.
Maresca could decide that Grealish has qualities that fit his tactical approach. His ability to carry the ball, create chances and operate in wide or advanced positions could potentially make him useful in a different system.
That is one reason why keeping Grealish remains a possibility.
However, the reaction from City supporters suggests that many do not want another prolonged experiment.
They want clarity.
If Maresca believes Grealish can contribute, keeping him could make sense. If he does not fit the new manager’s plans, a permanent transfer would allow everyone to move on.
Some fans still want Grealish to stay
Despite the overwhelmingly negative reaction, there was at least some support for keeping the winger.
One supporter offered a completely different opinion:
“Keep Jack.. we need his experience.”
That comment highlights an important counterargument.
Manchester City have undergone significant changes, and experience can still have value. Grealish knows the demands of playing for the club, has experience at the highest level and has been part of a squad that achieved major success.
A player with that background could potentially provide depth and leadership.
The question is whether that experience is enough to justify keeping him if his role remains limited.
For the supporters demanding an exit, the answer appears to be no.
Loan or permanent transfer?
Another interesting aspect of the reaction is that supporters do not appear particularly enthusiastic about another loan.
One fan suggested a financial solution, writing: “Sell on loan & get free his high salary.”
While that comment mixes two different possibilities, it reflects a broader concern about squad management and wages.
A loan could give Grealish the opportunity to play regularly while Manchester City reassess his situation.
But there are drawbacks.
Another temporary move would simply postpone the final decision. If Grealish performs well elsewhere, City would then have to decide whether to bring him back or sell him. If he struggles, his market value could remain an issue.
A permanent transfer, meanwhile, would provide immediate clarity.
That is why so many supporters are calling for an outright departure.
Fans also raise the Nico Williams comparison
Interestingly, some supporters used the discussion to question how Manchester City have handled other players.
One fan wrote: “They should have done this to Nico not to force him out like that.”
Another posted: “But not giving Nico same options.”
The comments indicate that some supporters are comparing Grealish’s situation with that of Nico and questioning whether Manchester City have been consistent in the way they manage players.
That does not necessarily mean every fan agrees with the comparison.
However, it shows that the Grealish debate has become part of a wider discussion about squad decisions, player treatment and Manchester City’s recruitment strategy.
Is there still a Manchester City future for Grealish?
Ultimately, the decision belongs to Maresca and Manchester City.
The club have not closed the door on any possibility. That means Grealish’s Manchester City future remains unresolved.
The new manager could still decide that the winger deserves an opportunity.
But the reaction from supporters is difficult to ignore.
Comments such as “Bye bye Jack”, “Anything but staying” and “leave is the only option” show just how strongly some sections of the fanbase feel.
At the same time, the small number of supporters defending Grealish demonstrate that the debate is not completely one-sided.
The biggest question is therefore whether Maresca sees something that many supporters no longer see.
The verdict from Manchester City supporters
The reaction to the City Xtra post was overwhelmingly in favour of Manchester City finding a new home for Grealish.
Supporters repeatedly called for a permanent departure, while only a small number argued that his experience could still be valuable.
That leaves the winger facing a crucial period.
If Grealish stays, he will need to convince Maresca and the supporters that he can still make a meaningful contribution to Manchester City.
If he leaves on loan, the club will continue to face the same question further down the line.
And if he leaves permanently, many supporters will feel that Manchester City have finally brought an uncertain chapter to an end.
For now, the message from the loudest section of the fanbase is unmistakable:
Jack Grealish should leave Manchester City.
The decision, however, remains with Maresca and the club.
