Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City has become one of the biggest talking points of the summer transfer window. After months of speculation linking the England international with a permanent exit, new City manager Enzo Maresca has made it clear that no final decision has been made.
Rather than pushing Grealish toward the exit, Maresca has publicly backed the winger, insisting that he remains a Manchester City player and could still have an important role to play this season. With impressive underlying statistics before his injury and a proven record of winning trophies, Grealish may not be finished at the Etihad Stadium after all.
Enzo Maresca Refuses to Rule Out Jack Grealish
Transfer rumors have surrounded Jack Grealish throughout the summer. Reports suggested that the 30-year-old could leave Manchester City after falling down the pecking order in recent seasons.
However, Maresca chose a measured approach when asked about the player’s future.
Instead of confirming an exit, the Italian coach emphasized that Grealish remains part of the squad and deserves the same opportunity as every other player.
According to Maresca:
- Grealish is still officially a Manchester City player.
- No final transfer decision has been made.
- Every player currently at the club will receive professional coaching.
- The transfer window remains open, meaning situations can still change.
Those comments immediately fueled speculation that Grealish could still fight for his place.
A Difficult Season Interrupted by Injury
The 2025/26 campaign proved challenging for Grealish.
Seeking more regular first-team football, he spent the season on loan at Everton, where he gradually rediscovered his confidence and creativity.
Across all competitions, Grealish recorded:
- 22 appearances
- 2 goals
- 6 assists
Although those numbers may not appear extraordinary at first glance, they only tell part of the story.
His season was unfortunately cut short after suffering a fractured foot during Everton’s match against Aston Villa in January. The serious injury required surgery and ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Without the injury setback, his final statistics may have looked significantly stronger.
The Underlying Numbers Tell a Different Story
One reason many analysts continue to rate Grealish highly is because of his creative output.
Before his injury, his Premier League statistics compared favorably with several elite attacking midfielders.
Assist Leaders
Grealish registered six league assists before his season ended.
Only two players produced more:
- Rayan Cherki – 7 assists
- Bruno Fernandes – 7 assists
That placed Grealish among the league’s most productive creators despite missing several months.
Chance Creation
Perhaps even more impressive was his ability to create opportunities from open play.
He generated 36 chances, trailing only:
- Bruno Fernandes – 40 chances
- Jeremy Doku – 39 chances
These numbers highlight that Grealish remained one of the Premier League’s most effective creative players whenever he was available.
Why Maresca May Still Value Grealish
Enzo Maresca is known for preferring technically gifted players capable of controlling possession and making intelligent decisions in tight spaces.
Those qualities have always been among Grealish’s greatest strengths.
He offers several attributes that fit Maresca’s philosophy:
- Excellent ball retention.
- Calm decision-making under pressure.
- Strong chance creation.
- Ability to slow or accelerate attacks.
- Intelligent positioning between defensive lines.
Even if Grealish no longer relies on explosive pace, his football intelligence remains one of his biggest assets.
A Strong Relationship Could Make the Difference
Beyond tactics and statistics, Maresca also spoke warmly about his relationship with Grealish.
The Manchester City manager revealed that the two have stayed in contact even after working separately.
According to Maresca, Grealish possesses “a big heart” and is an outstanding person both on and off the pitch.
Strong relationships between coaches and players often play an important role in rebuilding confidence, especially after long-term injuries.
That personal connection could help Grealish restart his Manchester City career.
Grealish’s Manchester City Legacy Should Not Be Forgotten
Despite recent struggles, Grealish has already built an impressive record at Manchester City.
Since joining the club, he has made:
- 157 appearances
- 17 goals
- 23 assists
More importantly, he played a key role during one of the most successful periods in City’s history.
His trophy collection includes:
- Three Premier League titles
- One UEFA Champions League trophy
- Multiple domestic cup victories
Winning seven major trophies is an achievement very few players can match.
That experience could still prove valuable for a squad competing on multiple fronts every season.
James Trafford’s Future Also Remains Uncertain
Maresca also addressed another important squad issue involving goalkeeper James Trafford.
Trafford returned to Manchester City following his spell at Burnley after the departure of Ederson. Initially viewed as a potential first-choice goalkeeper, his situation changed dramatically after City completed the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.
As a result, Trafford appeared only 17 times across all competitions, mainly featuring in domestic cup matches.
Despite transfer speculation linking him with Leeds United, Maresca insisted no decision has been finalized.
The Italian manager explained that he knows Trafford well from their time together with Manchester City’s Under-23 team and praised the goalkeeper’s qualities.
Like Grealish, Trafford remains part of the squad while the transfer window is still open.
Can Jack Grealish Earn a Second Chance?
Football careers often change quickly.
Only a year ago, many believed Grealish’s Manchester City journey was coming to an end. Now, Maresca’s comments suggest there is still an opportunity for the England international to prove himself.
Several factors could work in his favor:
- A fresh managerial approach.
- Strong creative statistics before injury.
- Extensive experience in high-pressure matches.
- Positive relationship with the new head coach.
- Tactical qualities suited to possession football.
While competition for places remains intense, Grealish has shown throughout his career that he can perform on the biggest stages when fully fit.
Final Verdict
Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City remains uncertain, but it is far from over. Enzo Maresca has deliberately avoided closing the door, choosing instead to focus on the player’s current status rather than transfer speculation.
His impressive chance-creation numbers before injury demonstrate that Grealish still possesses the creativity needed at the highest level. Combined with his experience, winning mentality, and technical quality, he remains a valuable option for Manchester City.
Whether Grealish stays at the Etihad or eventually moves elsewhere will likely depend on his fitness, preseason performances, and the club’s transfer activity. For now, one thing is clear: Enzo Maresca believes Jack Grealish still deserves his chance.
ALSO READ :
