Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Tue 26 May 2026 13:10, UK

Everton appear to have already got their answer as to whether Jack Grealish will be joining permanently from Manchester City.

Grealish was a massive hit in his season on loan at Hill Dickinson Stadium, albeit one that was cut short midway through.

The England international injured his foot in January against former side Aston Villa and did not feature again.

Everton’s stance is they would love to sign Grealish permanently if Man City are willing to lower their asking price.

Amid a period of change at the Etihad Stadium, a new update has now emerged on Grealish’s future in Manchester.

Enzo Maresca stance clear on Jack Grealish future at Man City

Grealish is rumoured to have had a falling out with Pep Guardiola last year, explaining why Everton got the chance to sign him on loan in the first place.

However, Guardiola has now said goodbye to the Citizens, with Enzo Maresca said to have already agreed a deal to succeed the Catalan coach.

And the bad news for Everton is that Maresca intends to keep Grealish as part of City’s squad for next season.

That is according to The Mirror‘s Jeremy Cross, who adds Guardiola’s exit has led to a “shock” U-turn on Grealish’s future.

The winger is now expected to return to City’s squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East, where he will get he chance to prove himself all over again.

Maresca is soon to sit down with Grealish for face-to-face talks.

Everton summer window will head one way

David Moyes made clear last week he wants to be financially backed by The Friedkin Group so that Everton can avoid a fall-off like this season.

The problem is that Moyes’ future under the Friedkins is not exactly clear right now.

Everton’s owners have been told transfer lessons need to be learned from the past two windows.

But with Grealish – hailed as “outstanding” by Gareth Southgate – now unlikely to return, that is another player that will effectively have to be replaced.

Unfortunately, if Moyes is not the Friedkins’ option for the long-term – as in for at least the next two years – there will be disjoined planning behind new signings.

That is worst-case scenario, with Moyes then having to work with players he sees no place for in the side.

Hopefully that does not happen, but the early signs are not all that positive.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.