Jack Grealish will not join the Manchester City squad for their pre-season tour in Asia. The winger recently returned to pre-season training with the club but has been working individually as he recovers from an injury sustained during his loan spell with Everton last season. This injury is cited as the reason for the 30-year-old’s absence from the travelling party.
The tour includes matches against Inter Milan in Hong Kong, and the K-League All-Stars and Atletico Madrid in South Korea. Grealish has not played since January, and his future at City remains uncertain, with speculation suggesting a potential departure from the Etihad this summer as he enters the final year of his contract.
Maresca’s Stance and Grealish’s Commitment
New manager Enzo Maresca recently spoke about Grealish during his first press conference. Maresca stated, “At the moment, he’s here. He’s a Man City player.” He added that he aims to coach players belonging to the club and has a good relationship with Grealish, noting his “big heart” and positive character.
Maresca is reportedly determined to give the England international a genuine chance to compete for his place. Sources indicate that Grealish is firmly back in City’s first-team plans, despite ongoing transfer speculation. His absence from the Asia tour is understood to be solely due to the final stages of his recovery from foot surgery, which he underwent after a season-ending injury in February.
Rather than risking a setback, Manchester City has opted to keep Grealish in Manchester to complete his rehabilitation before he fully reintegrates into first-team training. Maresca had previously expressed a desire to assess Grealish personally before making any decisions about his future. The Italian manager, who worked with Grealish during his previous stint at the Etihad, reportedly informed sporting director Hugo Viana that he did not wish to simply move the winger on. This position has not changed.
Maresca has reportedly been impressed by Grealish’s attitude since his return, particularly after learning that the player undertook an extensive individual fitness programme over the summer to ensure he reported back in optimal condition. Grealish has also reportedly expressed his commitment to fighting for his place at City rather than seeking an immediate exit. This determination has reinforced Maresca’s belief that the forward can still play an important role this season.
Potential Future Moves
Despite Grealish’s commitment to Manchester City, interest from other clubs remains. Everton, where Grealish spent last season on loan, is reportedly keen to bring him back after his campaign under David Moyes. The Toffees have expressed their admiration for the attacker and are prepared to monitor his situation in the coming weeks.
Financially, a return to Everton would likely require assistance from Manchester City. Reports suggest a second loan spell is the most realistic option, though a permanent transfer could be considered if City agreed to subsidise a portion of Grealish’s wages during the final year of his current contract. Clubs in both the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer have also reportedly made enquiries about Grealish’s availability.
However, those close to the player maintain that his focus remains firmly on the Premier League. At this stage, Grealish reportedly has no desire to leave English football and is determined to prove his ability at the highest level.
City is scheduled to begin their Asian tour with a friendly against European champions Inter Milan on Saturday.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
As News-UK's Sports News Writer, Oscar Pennington reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He built a reputation for sharp explainer pieces on regional sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Oscar lives in Nottingham, where he follows the pro golf tour and amateur boxing. “Context is what turns a result into a story.”
