Jack Grealish could be offered a shock route out of Manchester City with a move to Saudi Arabia potentially materialising for the out-of-favour playmaker.
Pre-season omission and injury
The former Aston Villa captain has been overlooked for City's pre-season tour to Hong Kong and Seoul. His foot injury was given as a key reason behind his omission, but it does little to suggest he will be part of Enzo Maresca's plans.
Al Hilal interest
Despite spending his entire career in England, Al Hilal are considering a move, reports talkSPORT. They have already raided West Ham for Crysencio Summerville and Grealish is now on their radar as they eye quality on the flanks.
Everton loan and return
The 30-year-old returned to his parent club this summer with his future unclear after spending last season on loan at Everton, where he impressed as he benefited from regular minutes for the first time in years. Despite that, the Toffees chose not to take up the £50million purchase option in his loan agreement, leaving Grealish back at square one with his City days seemingly numbered as he remains on the periphery with his contract winding down.
Maresca's comments
Maresca, who has replaced Pep Guardiola, has worked with Grealish when he was an assistant at the Etihad and has already addressed the player's future, but was non-committal over their next move. 'At the moment, he's here. He's a Man City player,' he said during his first press conference. 'I always said the same. In any club I join, I like to know if there are players that belong to the club. It's my duty to try to coach them. Jack is here. I have a good relationship with Jack since I left. Also, we keep in touch, and the reason why is because he has a big heart and he's a very good guy. So this is the reason why. And then we see what happens.'
Contract and transfer fee
Given he has 12 months left on his deal, City are looking to secure a permanent exit, which will now come at a fraction of the £100m they spent to sign him in 2021 when he became their record signing – a tag Elliot Anderson has only just taken from him. City have benefited from selling players to Saudi Arabian clubs with Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez all heading to the Middle East.
