Atletico Madrid are preparing for difficult negotiations over a possible move for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, in what could become one of the most ambitious and complicated transfers of the summer window.
The 30-year-old England international is reportedly no longer part of new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca’s plans after completing a loan spell at Everton. That situation could allow Grealish to leave the Etihad Stadium on a permanent basis, although Atletico face major financial obstacles before they can make the move.
The Sun reports that Grealish has emerged as a target for the Spanish club, who are considering whether they can construct a deal that fits their financial limits.
Simeone approves Grealish plan
Atletico sporting director Mateo Alemany has received approval from head coach Diego Pablo Simeone to pursue the former Aston Villa player.
Simeone believes Grealish’s qualities would suit Atletico’s approach. The Argentine manager sees him operating from the left wing, linking midfield and attack and providing greater technical quality in the final third.
The proposed transfer forms part of Alemany’s plan to build a side capable of challenging for major honours again. Atletico endured a disappointing campaign, losing in the Copa del Rey final and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, while also saying goodbye to their La Liga challenge at an early stage.
Following the arrivals of Alejandro Grimaldo, Morten Hjulmand and Kang-in Lee, Alemany is now preparing what would be his biggest move of the summer by attempting to sign Grealish. The aim is to address the shortcomings that stopped Atletico from turning a promising season into a trophy-laden one.
Financial costs make deal difficult
The biggest barrier is the cost of the proposed transfer. Grealish joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in the summer of 2021 for €117.5m, and his substantial contract would make a permanent departure particularly difficult to arrange.
Atletico have yet to decide whether to submit a formal offer. The financial demands involved represent a significant challenge for Alemany, with a loan deal, an option to buy or an agreement under which the clubs share responsibility for Grealish’s wages among the possible solutions.
The Spanish club must also compete with several other interested parties. Everton and Aston Villa are monitoring the winger’s situation closely, while clubs from the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer could offer considerably higher salaries.
That competition means Atletico would need to persuade Grealish that their sporting project is the right option. They could point to the prospect of playing in the UEFA Champions League and the possibility of taking on a leading role in Simeone’s team.
Alemany ready for negotiations
Alemany, a former executive from the Balearic Islands, is regarded as an experienced negotiator in complicated transfer situations and at finding opportunities late in a window.
If Manchester City decide they are prepared to let Grealish leave but fail to receive an offer they consider satisfactory, Atletico may wait for the right moment to make their move. That strategy could give Alemany room to seek a structure that reduces the immediate financial burden while keeping the transfer viable for all parties.
