Grealish’s Loan Spell and Return to City
Jack Grealish, who was acquired by Manchester City in August 2021 after the club activated a £100m release clause with Aston Villa, spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Everton. This move was made in pursuit of more playing time after he was no longer a regular in Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup. During his loan spell, Grealish scored two late match-winning goals and provided six assists for Everton.
However, his time at Everton was cut short in January when he sustained a stress fracture in his foot during a 1-0 victory against his former club, Aston Villa. This injury ruled the England international out for the remainder of the campaign. Despite the injury, Grealish remained at Everton’s Finch Farm training base until his loan agreement concluded last month.
Grealish is currently continuing his recovery at his parent club, Manchester City, and is reportedly nearing a return to full training. He is now working under new manager Enzo Maresca, who has taken over from the departed Guardiola. Maresca was previously an assistant to Guardiola and has since managed Leicester City and Chelsea.
Maresca’s Stance and Grealish’s Future
New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has not ruled out the possibility of Grealish remaining at the club. Speaking at his first press conference, Maresca stated, “At the moment, he’s here. He’s a Man City player.” He also emphasized his commitment to working with players who belong to the club, noting his good relationship with Grealish, which has continued since Maresca’s previous time at City.
Maresca highlighted Grealish’s character, saying, “he has a big heart and he’s a very good guy.” He concluded his remarks on Grealish’s situation by stating, “And then we see what happens.”
There is reported interest from Everton in bringing Grealish back to Hill Dickinson Stadium for the upcoming season, and it is believed that Grealish himself might be open to such a move. However, any potential negotiations with City would depend on Grealish regaining full fitness. Reports suggest that Manchester City would prefer a permanent transfer for Grealish rather than another loan spell.
Paul Lake’s Hopes for Grealish
Former Manchester City captain Paul Lake has expressed his hope that Grealish will be given an opportunity under the new manager, Enzo Maresca. Lake believes that Grealish brings a “great attitude and personality” to the squad. He noted that Grealish was well-liked by his teammates at Manchester City, describing a “genuineness” in their interactions.
Lake suggested that Grealish’s experience could be valuable in high-pressure situations and that his presence would be healthy for the squad, particularly for new players like Elliot Anderson, who might face pressure due to his price tag. Lake believes that players such as Grealish and Erling Haaland could help new additions manage such expectations.
Lake stated, “I hope he is given an opportunity under Enzo Maresca. If he is, it will be two almost-new signings for the manager. That will certainly bolster the whole atmosphere in the changing room.” This perspective suggests that Grealish’s return to form and integration into the squad could be a significant boost for the club under the new management.
Since joining Manchester City, Grealish has achieved significant success, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Super Cup, and the Club World Cup at Etihad Stadium. Despite his achievements, his output in terms of goals and assists has been a point of discussion. Across 179 club appearances in all competitions for City and during his loan at Everton, he has scored 19 goals and provided 29 assists.
His pass completion rate stands at 88.02%, and he has created 275 chances during his time at the Etihad Stadium. However, his total of 4,823 passes is considerably lower than some of his teammates. During his loan at Everton, he created 42 chances, a figure only surpassed by James Garner’s 59, and his 56.25% shot accuracy was behind only Jake O’Brien and Iliman Ndiaye.
The 30-year-old is now at a point in his career where decisions about his future are crucial. He will be 31 not long after the next season begins, highlighting the need for him to either secure a regular place at City under Maresca or explore opportunities elsewhere to revitalize his career.
Maresca’s familiarity with Grealish from his previous role as an assistant to Guardiola could play a role in his future at the club. However, the club is reportedly considering a permanent exit for the player rather than another loan.
The Manchester Evening News believes it is likely that Grealish has played his last match for the FA Cup and League Cup holders.
Grealish’s reported weekly salary of £300,000 could present a challenge for many clubs interested in acquiring him, with only Virgil van Dijk and Erling Haaland reportedly earning more in the Premier League. This factor might lead him to consider options abroad if a move within England proves difficult.
The situation remains fluid as Grealish continues his recovery and Maresca assesses his squad, with all parties awaiting further developments.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
