Everton CEO confirms ongoing contact with Grealish as City future stays unresolved

Everton are keeping the door open for Jack Grealish’s return, with CEO Angus Kinnear confirming the club has maintained contact with the winger since his loan spell ended. Grealish, 30, remains a Manchester City player, but his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium is far from settled.

The England international joined Everton on loan last season in a bid to revive his career, and made an encouraging start — scoring twice and registering six assists in 22 appearances before a serious injury cut his time on Merseyside short. Notably, he chose to complete his rehabilitation at Everton rather than return to City.

“Jack is a player we’ve remained in contact with,” Kinnear told BBC Radio Merseyside. “It was no secret that he decided to have his rehabilitation done here for the remainder of last season when he didn’t have to do that. He’s a player who’s fallen in love with the right shade of blue but ultimately he’s a Manchester City player at the moment and we need to respect that.”

Kinnear was careful not to confirm any deal, adding: “The most important thing is he’s back. He had a very serious injury, he’s worked really hard to get back from that.”

At City, new head coach Enzo Maresca has offered Grealish a route back into the first team, giving him a second-half appearance in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal. Maresca said the players who remain at the club and work hard will earn their minutes, while acknowledging the transfer window could yet change the picture.

Grealish joined City from Aston Villa in 2021 for £100m and has made 158 appearances, contributing 17 goals and helping the club win three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup. His current contract runs until next summer, meaning this could be a pivotal window in determining where he plays his football beyond this season.

The winger attracted attention recently when he was spotted at Cardiff City’s Championship opener against Wrexham, though there is no suggestion he is considering a move to either club. When a supporter asked whether he was signing permanently or on loan, Grealish quipped that he did not know yet — a response that, intentionally or not, neatly captures the uncertainty surrounding his future.