Jack Grealish is set to return to Manchester City after a loan spell at Everton, with Enzo Maresca potentially offering him a route back into the team despite previously being left out cold.
Jack Grealish rediscovered his best form while on loan at Everton (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City’s next manager Enzo Maresca wants to hand exiled Jack Grealish a lifeline. Maresca is expected to replace outgoing Pep Guardiola at the Etihad this summer.
And the Italian is said to be in talks with Grealish about the possibility of reviving his City career. Grealish has spent this season on loan at Everton after being frozen out at the Etihad.
The England midfielder had a falling out with manager Guardiola towards the end of last season and was left out of the squad for the Club World Cup in America. Grealish joined Everton determined to take on a new challenge in order to rediscover his best form.
However, his campaign was interrupted by a stress fracture in his foot in January, and he will not be able to play in this summer’s World Cup.
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The 30-year-old decided he had no long-term future at City while Guardiola remained and decided he wanted to join Everton permanently.
However, Guardiola’s departure after 10 years in charge could lead to a surprise U-turn from Grealish. The Italian is understood to believe that Grealish could once again become part of the team’s future under him if Maresca were to replace Guardiola. Grealish, who brought in a British record £100m for City in 2021, will enter the final 12 months of his current contract next month.
There will be some big decisions to be made regarding if and when Enzo Maresca arrives at Man City (Image: Chelsea FC, Getty Images)
Everton are keen to sign him, but Maresca could still have a big say in Grealish’s future. And unless told otherwise, Grealish is expected to return to pre-season training at the Etihad in July ahead of the summer tour of the Far East.
Grealish remains close friends with most of the City team and has a close relationship with Erling Haaland. He started for City in the Champions League final three years ago as they won the treble.
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