What is going on with Jack Grealish at Man City?

Jul 29, 2026 - 11:45
What is going on with Jack Grealish at Man City?

Jack Grealish has been left out of Manchester City’s pre-season tour of Asia despite training with Enzo Maresca’s side last week.

The 30-year-old returned to his parent club this summer with his future unclear after spending last season on loan at Everton.

Jack Grealish for Everton against Crystal Palace.
Grealish may find himself further down the pecking order at City
Getty

The 39-cap England international scored twice and registered six assists in 22 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions.

However, he sustained a stress fracture in his foot playing against another of his old clubs, Aston Villa, in January.

Grealish’s injury not only ended his club season early, but also ruled out any hope of making a late dash for England’s World Cup squad.

Everton opted against activating their £50million buy option in the winger’s loan deal, which saw him return to the Etihad Stadium.

Having been frozen out by Pep Guardiola, Grealish may have harboured hopes of making a fresh start after Maresca replaced the Spaniard following the latter’s decision to step down in May.

However, his hopes of donning a City shirt once more were dealt a major blow when he was omitted from the club’s pre-season tour.

Jack Grealish misses Man City tour

The former Villa captain was unable to secure a seat on the plane to City’s trip to Hong Kong and Seoul over the next 11 days.

His foot injury, which has seen him work individually after reporting back to the Etihad, was cited as a key reason behind his omission.

New boss Maresca had previously waxed lyrical about his relationship with Grealish, whom he worked with during his stint as Guardiola’s assistant prior to carving out his own managerial career at Leicester.

Jack Grealish's Premier League stats for the 2025/26 season
Grealish chipped in with eight goal contributions for Everton when on loan last season

“At the moment, he’s here. He’s a Man City player,” Maresca said during his first press conference last week.

“I always said the same. In any club I join, I like to know if there are players that belong to the club. It’s my duty to try to coach them.

“Jack is here. I have a good relationship with Jack since I left.

“Also, we keep in touch, and the reason why is because he has a big heart and he’s a very good guy. So this is the reason why. And then we see what happens.”

Jack Grealish transfer latest

talkSPORT understands that there is interest from the Saudi Pro League for Grealish, with Al Hilal a potential option.

Jack Grealish playing for Everton
Everton opted against making Grealish’s loan move permanent
Getty

Simone Inzaghi’s side are also eyeing his ex-Toffees team-mate Illiman Ndiaye, having already signed Crysencio Summerville from West Ham.

Man City are keen on a permanent sale if Grealish does leave, as he is entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad.

Sean Dyche has said on talkSPORT that Grealish, who turns 31 in September, should be staying in the Premier League.

Andy Townsend, meanwhile, has urged Grealish to save his career this summer while speaking to Andy Goldstein on the Breakfast show.

‘In real danger of seeing his career disappear a bit’

“I think Jack is such a talent, but he’s had… I don’t know, it feels like it’s been sort of 18 months now for me with him hardly figuring or not planning up.

“He’s had a few injury problems. I hope he’s had an enjoyable summer. I know he’ll have had that, but I hope he’s looked after himself.

“He’s in good nick, good shape. And that before this window closes, someone comes and says to Jack, ‘come on, here’s an opportunity for you, come and do it for us’.

“I really do think he’s got great ability, but it’s time now for him to really, really throw himself at it 100 per cent.

“If he doesn’t… If this next six months fizzles out into nothing again, he’s not playing much, then he’s going to be in real danger of seeing his career disappear a bit.”

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