Jack Grealish loved his time at Everton (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City’s incoming manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly keen to throw Jack Grealish a lifeline to get rid of him, which could prevent him from making a permanent move to Everton. Maresca is widely expected to become manager Josep Guardiola’s successor at the Etihad in the coming days.
The Italian is thought to be planning talks with Grealish about potentially reviving his career at City. Grealish spent this season on loan at Everton after proving too demanding at the Etihad. The relationship between the England midfielder and manager Guardiola soured towards the end of last season, with the midfielder being left out of the squad for the Club World Cup in the United States.
Grealish has linked up with Everton in a bid to get a fresh start and rediscover his best form. However, his time at Goodison Park was cut short after he suffered a stress fracture in his foot in January, meaning he will miss this summer’s World Cup.
The 30-year-old had been aiming for a permanent move to Everton after concluding that his long-term prospects at City were bleak while Guardiola remained in charge. However, Guardiola’s departure after 10 years in charge could prompt Grealish to undergo a significant change of heart.
The Italian is understood to believe Grealish could once again play a pivotal role in the club’s future if Maresca takes over. Grealish, who brought City a British record £100m in 2021, enters the final 12 months of his contract next month.
Everton are keen to sign him permanently, but Maresca could be crucial in shaping Grealish’s next move.
Unless told otherwise, Grealish is expected to return to pre-season training at the Etihad in July ahead of the club’s summer tour of the Far East.
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Jack Grealish has rediscovered some of his best form at Everton before injury (Image: Getty)
Grealish maintains strong friendships with most of the City team, and shares a particularly close bond with Erling Haaland.
Meanwhile, Ilkay Gundogan is targeting a return to Man City as part of a coaching structure in the future. Coach Gundogan has denied taking part in the new management structure this season.
Gundogan has 12 months left on his contract with Galatasaray and is hoping to complete another season with the Turkish side. However, the German admitted he would welcome a move into coaching after retirement and believes he has an opportunity at the Etihad.
The 35-year-old is one of the most successful players in City’s history. The midfielder won 14 major honors in two stints under Guardiola and led City to a historic treble as captain in 2023.
The former Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund midfielder said: “Of course there is a chance. Of course, it also depends a little on my own decision and my desire on how I want to evolve after my playing career ends.”
“I feel like I still have a few really good years left, I’m still having fun and I want to play some more.
“But obviously thinking long-term, it’s no secret that I was starting to get my coaching badges and trying to figure out what direction I wanted to go in post-career.
“And it’s definitely 100 percent possible. I mean, this place has given me everything I wanted as a player, so why not try in a different role?”
