Eight Clubs Ready to Snap Up Jack Grealish as Man City Future Hangs in the Balance

Jack Grealish was notably absent from Manchester City's preseason squad, despite having been spotted among the players who reported for the beginning of training this month.

This has sparked further speculation about his future, even as new manager Enzo Maresca kept the door open for his return: "At the moment, he is here. He is a Manchester City player. It's my duty to try to coach [him]. He has a big heart and is a very good guy, so this is why and then we see what happens."

Grealish, who spent 2025–26 on loan at Everton before suffering a season-ending injury in January, is currently rehabilitating at RCD Mallorca's facilities in Spain. The rest of the available squad departed for Hong Kong this week to kick off a tour of east Asia.

Even once Grealish returns to full fitness, the competition for places may prove too fierce for him to reclaim a starting role. His squad number was reassigned last summer when Rayan Cherki arrived from Lyon, and 2026–27 represents the final year of the England international's contract at City.

With his 31st birthday just six weeks away, a contract extension appears unlikely at this stage. However, given that Grealish is set to earn upwards of €20 million this season, it would be in City's financial interest to secure him a new club if he is not going to feature regularly.

Whether that takes the form of a 12-month loan to bridge him into free agency next summer, or a permanent move at a modest fee, is yet to be determined.

Either way, City are set to take a significant financial hit on a player who, despite some notable highs, never consistently justified what was a club-record transfer fee in 2021—equivalent to roughly $133.5 million at today's exchange rate—a record only recently surpassed.

Grealish played a pivotal role in Manchester City's historic 2022–23 treble campaign, but as his form began to decline in early 2025, Pep Guardiola publicly called for the return of the 'Treble Grealish.' That version of the player, when fully fit and firing, is what another club could potentially benefit from in the near future.

Everton

Grealish had begun to rediscover his best form after joining Everton last season. He wrapped up August with four assists and claimed the only Premier League Player of the Month award of his career so far.

Before his injury, there was genuine talk of him forcing his way back into the England setup ahead of the World Cup. That never materialised, but there is a case for a second stint at Everton, particularly if the club loses Iliman Ndiaye to Saudi Arabia.

Aston Villa

Could a return to his roots be on the cards? Aston Villa received a substantial windfall when Manchester City triggered Grealish's release clause five years ago, and a homecoming would have a fairytale quality if there is room for him in the squad.

Villa supporters have since jeered Grealish, who had spent 19 years at the club before his departure, but a return could offer a chance to mend that relationship. Furthermore, Morgan Rogers' exit has left a creative gap, and the squad also lost significant leadership and experience with Youri Tielemans' departure. Grealish could address both issues.

Al Ahli

Saudi Arabia continues to present itself as a viable destination for high-profile European players at a crossroads in their careers. While Al Hilal have recently splashed out on Crysencio Summerville and remain linked with the aforementioned Ndiaye, Al Ahli could represent a sensible landing spot for Grealish.

The club are the reigning back-to-back Asian club champions following two AFC Champions League Elite titles in as many years, though they were relegated from the Saudi Pro League (2021–22) more recently than they last lifted that domestic trophy (2015–16).

Galeno, who would be a primary rival for the left-wing berth, has only recently returned from an injury that ruled him out for the final month of last season. Ivan Toney, a former England teammate of Grealish's, would be a familiar and welcoming presence.

Napoli

Should Grealish want to stay in Europe but seek a less physically demanding, more technical environment, Serie A presents an appealing option—with Napoli standing out as the prime candidate.

There may be some hesitation around signing an older player returning from a lengthy injury, particularly after Kevin De Bruyne managed just 18 appearances last season, but the club has proven to be a transformative environment for Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund since their moves from England.

AC Milan, who could offload Rafael Leão before the summer window closes, may represent another Italian option.

That said, Serie A clubs are not awash with funds, and the financial terms would need to align for any deal to materialise.

Atlético Madrid

Diego Simeone has long been drawn to industrious English players, as evidenced by his recruitment of both Kieran Trippier and Conor Gallagher at Atlético Madrid. Neither stayed permanently, but the pattern is clear—and Grealish is no slouch defensively, contributing just as much off the ball as on it.

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The presence of Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, Ademola Lookman and new arrival Lee Kang-in could make this a difficult fit if Atléti feel their attacking options are already well covered.

Alternatively, Villarreal are back in the Champions League for 2026–27 and could be considered an outside—but not entirely implausible—option. Real Betis are another possibility worth considering.