Jack Grealish's future at Manchester City has taken a dramatic turn following the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the club's new manager. The 30-year-old England international, who spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Everton, appeared to be on the verge of a permanent departure from the Etihad Stadium this summer. However, Maresca's arrival has completely altered the landscape for the winger, offering him a potential lifeline to revive his career with the Premier League champions.

The Loan Spell at Everton

Grealish joined Everton on a season-long loan in the summer of 2025, seeking regular first-team football after falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola. The move to Goodison Park proved to be a successful one for the former Aston Villa captain. He quickly established himself as a key creative force in Sean Dyche's side, registering six assists and two goals in 18 Premier League starts. His impressive form earned him praise from fans and pundits alike, suggesting he had rediscovered the form that made him one of England's most sought-after talents.

Unfortunately, Grealish's season was cut short by a tragic foot fracture in March 2026, which prematurely ended his campaign. Despite the injury, his performances had been enough to convince Everton of his value, and the club expressed a strong desire to keep him for another season, either on a second loan or via a permanent transfer. Talks between Everton and Manchester City had progressed, with a deal seemingly imminent.

The Guardiola Era and Grealish's Struggles

Grealish joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in August 2021 for a then-British record fee of £100 million. Under Pep Guardiola, he experienced highs and lows. In his first season, he helped City win the Premier League title, but his individual contributions were modest by his own standards. The following season, he played a crucial role in City's historic treble, including the Champions League triumph, but he often found himself on the fringes of the starting eleven in big matches.

Injuries and inconsistent form plagued Grealish in subsequent seasons, and by 2024-25, he had lost his place to younger talents like Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden. Guardiola's tactical system, which demands high pressing and quick decision-making, did not always suit Grealish's dribble-heavy style. As a result, the club decided to send him out on loan to Everton to rebuild his confidence and value.

Enzo Maresca: A Familiar Face with a Different Vision

Enzo Maresca's appointment as Manchester City manager following Pep Guardiola's departure surprised many, but it also brought a sense of continuity. Maresca had previously served as Guardiola's assistant at City during the 2022-23 season, a period when Grealish was arguably at his peak in sky blue, making 23 Premier League starts and contributing 12 goals and assists combined.

Maresca has long held a deep respect for Grealish's abilities. Having worked closely with him during that successful season, the Italian manager believes the winger still has untapped potential that can be unlocked. Unlike Guardiola, who was often criticized for not giving Grealish a consistent run of games, Maresca is reportedly willing to offer the player a genuine chance to reclaim a starting spot.

According to sources, Maresca has informed the Manchester City board that he wants to personally evaluate Grealish during pre-season training. He has urged the club to hold off on any permanent sale until he has made his own assessment. This has effectively put the brakes on the proposed transfer to Everton, leaving the Toffees in limbo despite their continued interest.

Everton's Dilemma and Other Potential Suitors

Everton had been hopeful of securing Grealish for another season, especially after already agreeing a permanent deal with Chelsea for young winger Tyrique George. The club sees Grealish as a vital playmaker capable of unlocking defences, a role he fulfilled admirably during his loan spell. However, with Maresca's intervention, any agreement between the clubs is now on hold.

While Everton remain keen, Grealish's future could also interest other Premier League and European clubs. His contract with Manchester City enters its final year this summer, which means the club might be forced to sell him at a reduced price if a renewal is not agreed upon. Yet, Maresca's desire to give him a second chance complicates matters. The situation is fluid, and a resolution is expected only late in the transfer window.

Grealish's Career Highlights and What He Brings

Jack Grealish's journey from Aston Villa academy graduate to England international has been remarkable. He captained Villa in 2020-21, almost single-handedly keeping them in the Premier League with his dribbling, vision, and ability to draw fouls. His performances earned him a big-money move to City and a place in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 squad, where he became a fan favourite.

His playing style is built on close control, quick turns, and penetrating runs through the heart of defenses. When confident, he can be a game-changer, drawing multiple defenders and creating space for teammates. At his best, he combines flair with end product, as shown in his 2022-23 season when he scored 5 goals and assisted 11 times in all competitions.

However, he has struggled with consistency and injuries. Critics argue that his style does not suit Guardiola's system, but Maresca's tactical approach could be more accommodating. The new manager, who led Leicester City to promotion in his previous role, is known for emphasizing possession with purpose and attacking freedom, which might allow Grealish to thrive.

The Road Ahead

As pre-season approaches, all eyes will be on Jack Grealish. If he impresses Maresca, he could earn a renewed role in Manchester City's squad, potentially replacing players like Bernardo Silva or Riyad Mahrez, who have moved on in recent transfer windows. Alternatively, if Maresca decides he is surplus to requirements, a late-summer transfer to Everton or another club remains a distinct possibility.

What is clear is that Grealish's fate is now inextricably linked to Enzo Maresca's judgment. The Italian manager has a track record of developing players and believes in second chances. For Grealish, this represents a final opportunity to prove himself at the highest level, either in Manchester or elsewhere. The next few weeks will determine whether his career revival continues at the Etihad or takes a different path.

Source:Goal News