Winger may remain at Manchester City after Pep Guardiola’s departure
Enzo Maresca has instructed Manchester City to delay any decision on the future of Jack Grealish until he has had the opportunity to work with the winger during pre-season.
The 30-year-old winger had been expected to leave the club again this summer following a season-long loan at Everton. However, the departure of Pep Guardiola and subsequent appointment of Maresca means Grealish may now have a second chance.
Maresca, who served as Guardiola’s assistant during Grealish’s most productive period at the club in the treble-winning season, has told the board he wants to personally assess the player before any transfer is sanctioned. The Italian is prepared to give the former Aston Villa captain a chance to reclaim his place in the first-team squad rather than sanctioning a sale at low value.
That season under Maresca’s watch remains the high point of Grealish’s City career. He made 23 Premier League starts and registered 12 combined goals and assists. Maresca has maintained a longstanding belief in the player’s ability and considers there to be untapped potential that was not fully realised in the final stages of Guardiola’s tenure.
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The managerial change has forced Everton to wait on a potential follow-up deal. The Toffees had been keen to secure Grealish for another season, having already finalised the permanent signing of Chelsea winger Tyrique George. A second consecutive loan had been under consideration.
Grealish spent last season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and was their best player before a broken foot brought his campaign to a premature end. His form was under David Moyes was sufficiently impressive to convince Everton of his value. City could well spoil their plans.
