Fresh start for Grealish under new City boss
Enzo Maresca plans to give Jack Grealish the opportunity to prove himself during pre-season, with the winger's proposed return to Everton currently on hold.
Grealish spent last season on loan at Goodison Park after falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola. His time on Merseyside was cut short in January when a foot injury ended his campaign, but the Toffees remain keen on bringing him back.
Whether that happens may depend on what Maresca sees over the next few weeks.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, it was revealed that the new City manager is not ruling out a revival for the 30-year-old. Maresca wants to give every contracted first-team player a fair chance to impress, and Grealish officially returned to training at the start of July.
Winger still has plenty to offer
Grealish showed flashes of his quality last season, winning the Premier League's Player of the Month award for August. Doubts remain over the futures of other City attackers, which could open the door for the England international to be reintegrated into the first-team squad.
“A lot will depend on what Maresca wants to do,” the podcast explained. “I think he will have a look at Grealish in pre-season to see how he gets on. If Manchester City were to lose some of their other wingers, then it might open the door for Grealish to be reintegrated into the City fold, but look, Everton are still waiting to see what their decision is.”
One factor in Grealish's initial slide down the pecking order was the £30million arrival of Savinho from Troyes in 2024. The Brazilian has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot, scoring just seven goals in 84 club appearances.
Tottenham have already agreed a deal to sign Savinho this summer, according to sources. His imminent departure could clear a path for Grealish to revive his City career.