Everton Grealish's preference if he leaves Man City
August 27, 2026 12:13
Sources told BBC Sport that Jack Grealish would prefer a return to Everton if he departs Manchester City before the close of the transfer window. The 30-year-old has featured off the bench in City’s first two matches of the season, and new manager Enzo Maresca is open to allowing him to move on during the remaining days of the window.
City say there have been no firm offers for Grealish so far. Everton’s chief executive, Angus Kinnear, has confirmed the club have "remained in contact" with the player.
KEY CONTEXT
- Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton, registering two goals and six assists in 20 appearances before suffering a season-ending foot injury in January.
- Maresca has indicated he is working with Grealish while decisions are made, saying he speaks with the player almost every day and that the situation will be clearer in the next four to five days.
- Separately, Manchester City are reported to have an interest in Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye. Ndiaye has reportedly turned down multiple new-contract offers at Everton and rejected a strong approach from Saudi club Al-Hilal.
WHY IT MATTERS
Grealish’s potential departure would be notable because of his profile, recent loan spell at Everton and limited use under City so far this season. For Everton, re-signing a player familiar with their squad could be a straightforward short-term boost. For City, moving Grealish on would free squad space as they evaluate alternatives, including reported interest in Iliman Ndiaye.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Everton pursue Grealish before the transfer deadline and whether any formal offer is submitted. City say no concrete bids have arrived yet.
- How discussions between Grealish and Enzo Maresca evolve over the next few days, as the manager has said he is in regular contact with the player.
- Everton’s stance on Iliman Ndiaye: the club is not under pressure to sell, his contract runs until 2029, and reports suggest they would seek a substantial fee (around £70m) to contemplate a sale.
KEY FACTS
- Sources told BBC Sport Grealish prefers a return to Everton if he leaves Manchester City.
- Grealish has made two substitute appearances for City this season.
- He scored 2 goals and made 6 assists in 20 appearances for Everton last season before a January foot injury ended his campaign.
- City say there have been no concrete offers for Grealish this summer.
- Everton say they have "remained in contact" with the player; manager Enzo Maresca says he speaks with Grealish almost daily.
- Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye has reportedly rejected multiple new-contract offers and turned down interest from Al-Hilal; Everton would likely demand about £70m to consider selling him.