Maresca plans talks with Grealish over Manchester City return after Guardiola exit

Enzo Maresca is planning to offer Jack Grealish a route back into the Manchester City squad this summer, with the incoming manager intending to hold talks with the winger about his future at the Etihad following Pep Guardiola’s departure after a decade in charge.

Grealish, 30, spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Everton after falling out with Guardiola towards the end of last season — a rift that saw him axed from City’s squad for the Club World Cup in the United States. He had been considering making his move to Goodison Park permanent, but Guardiola’s exit has opened the door to a potential U-turn.

Maresca, who is expected to replace Guardiola at the Etihad this summer, believes Grealish can still be part of the club’s future and is understood to be keen to reassess the England midfielder’s situation rather than sanction his departure. Unless told otherwise, Grealish is expected to report for pre-season training at the Etihad in July ahead of City’s summer tour of the Far East.

Grealish’s loan campaign at Everton was cut short in January when he suffered a stress fracture of his foot, an injury that also ruled him out of this summer’s World Cup. Everton remain keen to sign him on a permanent basis, but Maresca’s interest means the Merseyside club face competition from within City itself.

The winger cost City a then-British record £100 million when he joined from Aston Villa in 2021 and started in the Champions League final two years later as the club claimed the treble. He will enter the final 12 months of his contract next month, giving City a narrow window in which to decide his fate.

Grealish has maintained close friendships within the City dressing room during his time away, including a well-documented bond with Erling Haaland, a factor that could ease any reintegration should Maresca move forward with his plans.