Enzo Maresca discussed former Everton loan signing Jack Grealish after his surprise return to Manchester City
Manchester City’s prospects of re-signing Jack Grealish for Hill Dickinson Stadium appeared to encounter a possible obstacle as Enzo Maresca announced his willingness to offer the player another opportunity at the Etihad Stadium following his unexpected comeback to the club.
Grealish had not featured in any competitive match since sustaining a season-ending stress fracture in his right foot during Everton’s 1-0 victory at his hometown club and former side Aston Villa on January 18.
After completing his recovery and returning to full fitness, the England international who will celebrate his 31st birthday next month, entered the action as a half-time replacement for Jeremy Doku, who sustained a calf problem during Manchester City’s 3-0 loss to Premier League holders Arsenal in the Community Shield held in Cardiff.
This marked Grealish’s most substantial appearance for City since he played for 71 minutes in their 2-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-final on April 27, 2025.
The winger had subsequently been deemed unnecessary by Pep Guardiola and excluded from the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup last summer, which enabled his loan transfer to Everton.
However, following Maresca’s appointment to replace the Catalan manager after his decade of major trophy success, the pathway has reopened for the first English footballer to cost £100million.
Addressing journalists after Sunday’s fixture, the Italian manager emphasised that any player at the club has the opportunity to work towards securing playing time, which includes Grealish, who has made only one Premier League start for City since December 2024.
The 46-year-old stated that Grealish was on the pitch when his team found themselves two goals behind, making the contest difficult after that point, but overall he felt Grealish performed well.
He noted that those players who remain at the club and demonstrate daily commitment will receive opportunities if they prove deserving. The transfer window remains active and developments will be monitored.
Our sister publication, the Manchester Evening News, reports that Grealish is expected to depart City before the transfer window concludes on September 1, either through a permanent sale or another temporary move.