Enzo Maresca has suggested Jack Grealish could earn minutes at Manchester City if his performances and work rate justify it, after the playmaker returned from a loan spell. Grealish came off the bench in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, marking his first appearance for the club in over a year.
Grealish's Return and Maresca's Stance
Grealish, 30, was City's record signing until this summer but had seen his role decline, leading to a loan at Everton last season. The Toffees did not make the move permanent, and he has returned to Manchester. He has started just one Premier League game for City since December 2024.
Maresca, who has replaced Pep Guardiola, said: "Jack was inside when we were 2-0 down so the game already became complicated after that, but overall I think Jack was good. The ones that are still here and want to work every day and if they deserve they're going to get minutes. At the moment the transfer window is open and we will see what happens."
Transfer Activity at City
City could still see major departures and arrivals before the window closes. Barcelona have agreed a fee of more than £60 million for Rodri, who has entered the final year of his contract. Elliot Anderson has already joined from Nottingham Forest in a club-record deal, while City are also targeting Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi for £85 million. Enzo Fernandez is another player on their radar.
Grealish's Future Hinges on Wide Players
Grealish's prospects may depend on who stays or goes in the final third. His best form has come from the wing, but Savinho and Omar Marmoush, both capable of playing there, are linked with moves away. Savinho is keen on a move to Tottenham, though his fee and wages could be an issue. Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo have established themselves as favourites in the wide roles, meaning Grealish will likely need to displace them to become a regular again.
