Jack Grealish may have to leave Manchester City to avoid “seeing his legacy ruined”, an expert has claimed, naming three Premier League clubs he could join – including one which “would be considered a mass resignation”.

Grealish recently passed a year since his last goal for Man City and against Man Utd he drew again in his 17th appearance of the season.

Although under contract with Man City until 2027, Grealish could struggle for his future next year, when he would likely cost a fraction of the £100million spent to sign him from Aston Villa in 2021.

The question is who would go after the 29-year-old given his decline in form over the last 12 months?

Well, according to former Watford and Birmingham City striker Troy Deeney, Grealish would ‘break into’ the Tottenham squad, could thrive for Chelsea and would be wise to consider Newcastle as a destination.

Speaking on talkSPORTDeeney explained: “Spurs, he comes into this team in every position. Whether as a winger, number 10 or number 8.

“Arsenal, no, I don’t think he works at Arsenal. Liverpool, he doesn’t do it in Liverpool.

“He obviously won’t go to Manchester United, but he’s better than what they have.

“Newcastle, easy. There are plenty of teams, all outside the top four.

“I would say he would do well at Chelsea, but they have around 75 wingers. He’s probably too cheap for them, at £100 million, to be honest they’d like to waste a bit more money!

“Anyone outside the top four, he would come in easily and dominate. If he went to Newcastle it would be seen as a huge step down for him.

“But it’s a big club with a big fan base and I think Jack needs to feel that again, to feel that he is loved, to feel that the fans love him, but he is also the man who moves them forward.”

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Grealish told to avoid Aston Villa return

Another move being considered for Grealish would be a return to Aston Villa, where he has already played over 200 times.

However, Deeney has a reason why Grealish should not return to his old club – and not just because of his own affection for rivals Birmingham City.

Deeney said: “Really for him, I always think if you go back, you’re expected to be the person you were when you left.

“I think a fresh start would be great for him and somewhere where he would be the main man again and everyone would give him the ball.

“Because people like Jack, they need to have the ball every two minutes – and not stand on the sidelines – and when they have it, run a little bit and throw it back.

“But I think you’re going to see a new role for him at City, I think you’re going to see him as a No.8 – just coming out of midfield.

“I think he can handle that position very well, and it will be good for England as well.”

But while there could still be a role Grealish could adapt to with City, Deeney fears he could undo his legacy if he stays and continues to fail to make an impact.

The outspoken pundit said: “I think he is at risk of having his legacy ruined.

“And what I mean by that, I don’t think you can say he didn’t fulfill his potential, because look what he did at Villa and he did it during a period of extended time.

“What happens now in football is, ‘What have you been doing lately?’, and he hasn’t done much lately because of injuries and his lack of the team.”

Who else could leave Man City?

Besides Grealish, another midfielder who could leave City in 2025 is Kevin De Bruyne, as he nears the end of his contract.

Reports have claimed he is targeted for a transfer to MLSwhich could even take place in January if one of his two American suitors manages to agree on remuneration for his services.

Elsewhere, TEAMtalk has learned that Ruben Dias is someone City could capitalize on – but only if it allows them to recruit a top defender for their new era.

Where will Man City end up?