The FA Cup final squad may be telling in the future of two Manchester City players | OneFootball

When the Manchester City matchday squad was announced for Saturday’s FA Cup final, there were a few eyebrow-raising selections. Claudio Echeverri was named as a substitute for the first time as a City player. Echeverri did play a promising cameo late in City’s 1-nil defeat to Crystal Palace. That justified his inclusion in City’s squad for the match. But in the case of James McAtee and Jack Grealish, their lack of involvement at Wembley appears to be telling. It does seemingly point to the fact that both players won’t be at Manchester City next season.

James McAtee was surprisingly left out of the Manchester City squad.

One of the biggest surprises in City’s FA Cup final squad was that James McAtee didn’t even make the bench. McAtee had played a key role in Manchester City’s run to the FA Cup final. The fact that he wouldn’t even be on the bench for the FA Cup final wasn’t contemplated before kickoff. That’s what makes his non-selection stand out even more. It’s hard to see McAtee being pleased with his non-selection. Now it’s seemingly impossible to see him remaining at Manchester City at the end of this season. Mick Brown has previously reported for Football Insider that McAtee won’t be at Manchester City next season. Based on what unfolded at Wembley, it’s hard not to agree with that opinion.

Jack Grealish was an unused substitute as his time appears to be up at City.

Another player who didn’t feature at Wembley was Jack Grealish. He was an unused substitute against Crystal Palace. Grealish has also played a key role in City’s run to Wembley. But the fact that he didn’t get on the pitch suggests his time is up at Manchester City. That has appeared to be obvious over the past few months. Grealish has fallen out of favour of late, and he just doesn’t appear to have Pep Guardiola’s trust anymore. That assumption may not be correct, but it’s hard to draw any other conclusion. Grealish has had a frustrating 24/25 season and perhaps a move away from Manchester City is the best thing for him. Whether or not that occurs this summer remains to be seen.

Based on what unfolded at Wembley it’s hard to see Jack Grealish and James McAtee staying at Manchester City beyond this season. They appear to be surplus to requirements and where they fit into the City squad for next season isn’t obvious at this time. Their futures are just two stories to monitor ahead of the summer transfer window.