Grealish’s Future at Manchester City
Former Manchester City captain Paul Lake has expressed his hope that Jack Grealish will be given an opportunity under new manager Enzo Maresca. Lake believes that the left winger offers a “great attitude and personality” to the squad. Grealish, who was acquired by City in August 2021, has achieved significant success with the club, including three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.
Despite these achievements, Grealish spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Everton in search of more playing time, after falling out of Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup. Lake commented that Grealish possesses the belief that he can still perform at the highest level for City, having done so previously. He highlighted Grealish’s experience in high-pressure situations and his positive influence on team morale.
Lake also suggested that Grealish’s presence could be beneficial for new players, such as Elliot Anderson, helping them manage the pressures associated with their roles. He views Grealish’s potential return to the squad as akin to having “two almost-new signings” for Maresca, which could significantly enhance the team’s atmosphere.
Maresca’s Stance and Everton’s Interest
New City manager Enzo Maresca has not ruled out Grealish remaining at the club. Maresca, who previously worked as an assistant to Guardiola, stated that Grealish is currently a City player and that it is his duty to coach the players who belong to the club. He also mentioned maintaining a good relationship with Grealish, citing the player’s “big heart” and positive character.
Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton, where he scored two late match-winning goals and provided six assists. His loan spell was cut short in January due to a stress fracture in his foot, sustained during a 1-0 victory against his former club, Aston Villa. He continued his recovery at Everton’s training base until his loan concluded last month and is now progressing towards full training at City.
There is reported interest from Everton in bringing Grealish back to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for another season. However, reports indicate that City might prefer a permanent transfer rather than another loan spell for the player. Grealish’s return to full fitness is considered a prerequisite for any potential negotiations.
Career Crossroads for Grealish
Grealish, who will turn 31 shortly after the next season begins, is described as being at a “career crossroads.” His form, which saw him play a significant role in England’s journey to the European Championship final in 2021, has reportedly declined. The injury sustained during his loan at Everton further impacted his season.
While a stay at City is not entirely out of the question, given Maresca’s familiarity with Grealish from his previous role as Guardiola’s assistant, some reports suggest it might be unlikely. His output since joining City, including his loan spell at Everton, shows 19 goals and 29 assists in 179 club appearances across all competitions. He also accumulated 22 yellow cards during his time at City.
During his loan at Everton, Grealish created 42 chances, a figure only surpassed by James Garner’s 59. His shot accuracy of 56.25% was also notable, behind only Jake O’Brien and Iliman Ndiaye. He also received three yellow cards in 22 games for Everton. Grealish’s future could involve either a renewed effort to secure a place at City under Maresca or a move to another club to revitalise his career.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. 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 the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”