Jack Grealish is back in the Manchester City matchday squad, yet his long-term future at the club remains in doubt as the summer transfer window enters its final stretch.
The 30-year-old winger is now in the final 12 months of his contract, which is believed to be worth around £300,000 per week. He has already featured twice this season, coming on as a substitute in the Community Shield clash with Arsenal and playing the closing minutes of City’s dramatic league win over Bournemouth.
This return marks a fresh chapter for Grealish after a challenging period. Following a loss of favour under former boss Pep Guardiola, he spent the previous campaign on loan at Everton, where a ruptured Achilles tendon in January cut his season short.
Grealish regains spot in City squad
Grealish was present when the squad reported for pre-season training in mid-July and was originally expected to join the team’s tour of Asia. A fitness issue ruled him out of that trip, but he recovered quickly and has since forced his way back into the reckoning.
The attacker has profited from the managerial switch that followed Guardiola’s exit. His displays in training were convincing enough to earn him a place in the senior setup once more, giving him a platform to re-establish himself at the Etihad Stadium.
His short outing against Bournemouth drew a warm response from fans, and Grealish took to social media afterward to express his gratitude for what he called a “kind reception” upon his return.
City open to multiple outcomes for Grealish
Despite his early-season involvement, there is no guarantee that Grealish will remain at Manchester City beyond the deadline on 1 September.
Club insiders suggest that a range of scenarios are still possible in the final week of the window. Grealish might stay put, head out on another temporary deal, or secure a permanent transfer to a new club.
Enzo Maresca has also declined to make any definitive statements about the player’s situation. Speaking after the Bournemouth game, the City manager said his focus was on coaching Grealish and getting the best out of him, while noting that another week remained for potential moves involving him or other squad members.
Everton still keen on Grealish return
Grealish’s loan spell at Everton demonstrated why the Merseyside club would welcome him back. Before his injury, he contributed two goals and six assists in 20 outings and claimed the Premier League Player of the Month award for August following a strong start to the campaign.
According to City sources, no formal offer for Grealish has arrived from any club this summer. A return to Everton is considered the most plausible option if he departs Manchester City, although the Toffees have not yet made contact or opened negotiations.
Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear confirmed that the club has kept in touch with the player. He also pointed out that Grealish chose to complete his rehabilitation at Everton despite being able to go back to Manchester, adding that the bond formed during his stay could pave the way for further talks.
For the time being, Grealish remains a Manchester City player. Kinnear noted that both the fans and the squad had taken to him during his time at Goodison Park, while reiterating that his full recovery from the serious injury was the priority above all else.