Jack Grealish made an unexpected return to the Manchester City team on Sunday, coming on at halftime in their 3-0 Community Shield defeat by Arsenal in Cardiff. New boss Enzo Maresca praised Grealish's performance, stating that players still with the club will work for minutes if they deserve them. The transfer window is open, and Grealish's future remains uncertain.

Grealish's career with City seemed finished last season when he spent time on loan at Everton, but the Toffees did not make the move permanent. The 30-year-old, who did not feature in pre-season, was reportedly recovering from an injury. Manchester City paid £100m to sign Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021, and he helped them win the Treble in 2022-23, including playing in the Champions League final.

However, in recent seasons, Grealish fell out of favor under Pep Guardiola, making just 10 starts in the Premier League last season and seven in 2024-25. His loan spell at Everton started well under David Moyes, earning him his first Premier League player of the month award in August, but an injury in January ended his season prematurely.

Now, Grealish has a chance for a fresh start under Maresca at City. While Maresca said Grealish will get games if he stays and impresses, many believe he will leave. Potential destinations include a return to Everton, where he loved playing, or a move back to boyhood club Aston Villa, who are in the Champions League this season. There is also interest from Atletico Madrid.