Jack Grealish Rejects Chelsea’s €70M Bid Despite Cole Palmer’s Push—Man City Wins Battle, Boehly Fumes
In a dramatic transfer twist, Jack Grealish has officially turned down a €70 million offer from Chelsea, despite being personally urged by his close friend and former teammate Cole Palmer to make the move to Stamford Bridge. The Manchester City winger's snub has left Chelsea owner Todd Boehly furious, as yet another high-profile transfer target slips through the club’s grasp.
Grealish Chooses Loyalty Over Change
The 29-year-old England international has opted to stay loyal to Manchester City, where he has played a pivotal role since joining from Aston Villa for £100 million in 2021. Even though Grealish featured in only 12 Premier League matches during the 2025 season, Chelsea viewed his limited minutes as an opportunity to swoop in with a blockbuster €70 million bid aimed at strengthening their attack under Enzo Maresca.
Cole Palmer, who has thrived at Chelsea this season with 8 goals and 6 assists, personally reached out to Grealish to convince him to reunite in London. However, Manchester City swiftly countered with a lucrative contract extension and assurances of an increased role in Pep Guardiola’s squad—moves that ultimately convinced Grealish to stay put.
Boehly “Livid” as Another Big Signing Slips Away
Sources close to Stamford Bridge reveal that Todd Boehly is “livid” following Grealish’s rejection. The Chelsea board had identified the England star as a marquee signing to spearhead their 2025/26 campaign. Missing out on him is yet another frustrating chapter in Chelsea’s turbulent transfer window.
Since Boehly’s takeover in 2022, Chelsea have spent over £1.5 billion on new players, but results and cohesion on the pitch have remained inconsistent. Despite their Club World Cup triumph in July 2025, the club still faces growing concerns over squad overcrowding, internal tension, and a lack of clear tactical identity.
Tensions Rise Within the Squad
Grealish’s snub comes just days after reports emerged that João Pedro and Enzo Fernández are demanding clarity on their roles following Boehly’s cryptic “Decision No. 9” directive. The atmosphere behind the scenes appears increasingly strained, as players seek structure and direction in a club known more for spending power than stability.
Palmer’s attempt to lure Grealish added a personal touch to the saga, showcasing how much influence the 23-year-old has gained since his breakout season. Yet, Grealish’s faith in Guardiola’s long-term vision and City’s winning culture proved too strong to resist.
What’s Next for Chelsea and Man City?
With Grealish off the table, Chelsea will now turn their attention to alternative targets, with rising stars like Jamie Gittens and Brazilian wonderkid Estevão Willian reportedly on their radar. However, the pressure is mounting on the Chelsea board to not only make smart signings but to address growing discontent within the squad and finally deliver a balanced, competitive team.
For Manchester City, keeping Grealish is a major boost to their depth and attacking quality as they look to defend their Premier League crown and chase more European silverware.
Final Thoughts
Jack Grealish’s decision to reject Chelsea’s €70 million bid, despite Cole Palmer’s personal plea, marks a significant setback for the Blues. Manchester City’s swift action to secure their star underlines their stability and strength—something Chelsea continues to chase. As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on how Chelsea responds to this high-profile disappointment.