The end of the summer transfer window is in sight, yet Jack Grealish still doesn’t have clarity over his future.
Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton, registering two goals and six assists in 20 Premier League appearances before his campaign was cut short by injury. The 39-time England international also ranked in the top four among Toffees players for chances created (2nd), big chances created (4th) and take-ons completed (3rd) despite missing almost half the season, and very much left a strong impression at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
But in a surprise turn of events, Grealish has come off the bench in each of Manchester City‘s first two games of the new season under Enzo Maresca, playing a full half against Arsenal in the Community Shield and the final eight minutes of their 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Even so, speculation remains rife regarding what comes next for Grealish. Will he stay or will he go? Here are the dream, realistic and wildcard options for the 30-year-old in the final days of the market.
Dream: Stay at Manchester City
Grealish remains an incredibly popular figure at the Etihad Stadium; you only need to listen to the reception he got from the crowd when he came on against Bournemouth for proof of that.
The playmaker has been through a lot with Man City, making over 150 appearances and winning seven trophies with them — including three Premier League titles — since joining from Aston Villa in 2021.
There’s a new era at City with Enzo Maresca in charge, and places in the side to fight for. Even if he cannot become an undisputed starter again, why wouldn’t Grealish want to stay at City and prove he can still play a key role in further silverware success? What’s more, that would be his most direct route back into England contention.
Rumours remain that Grealish will leave City before the summer is out, despite his recent appearances. But it’s not a closed book, and he may yet prove important to Maresca.
Realistic: Everton
While staying at City is the dream, there surely is a part of Grealish that would also like to go back to Everton and be a big fish again.
Grealish was pivotal to what was a very promising start to 2025/26 for Everton, and it’s telling that David Moyes’ men won just four of their 16 games without him following his foot injury. In fact, the Toffees averaged 1.55 points per game with Grealish in the team, compared to 1.0 points per game without him.
Everton reportedly ‘remain in contact’ with Man City over a potential return for Grealish, and they’re the current 2/5 favourites to sign him according to Sky Bet. The Toffees also have the added tension of the likes of Arsenal, Man Utd and Saudi Pro League sides being linked with their star man, Iliman Ndiaye, so a rapid solution may be necessary late in the window.
Everything is set up for Grealish at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Wildcard: Aston Villa
Tucked just behind Everton in the odds are Aston Villa, who are a 3/1 bet to re-sign Grealish.
It’s been an incredibly turbulent summer for Unai Emery, despite him winning the Europa League and guiding his side back into the Champions League.
Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have all departed, while it’s looking increasingly likely that Emi Martinez and Ollie Watkins will add to the shocking exodus of key players.
While they’re not utterly short of attacking quality, Villa could certainly do with an experienced forward who can operate across multiple positions. Grealish undoubtedly fits that mould, with his eye for a pass and ability to hold onto possession making him an ideal player to slot in on either flank or even behind the striker.
The initial backlash regarding Grealish’s Villa exit has now softened, with the relationship now adopting a water-under-the-bridge level of mutual respect. It genuinely feels like Villa Park would welcome him back at this point, and re-signing one of their own prodigal sons would certainly help lift the mood after a very challenging transfer window.
| Team | Sky Bet odds |
| Everton | 2/5 |
| Aston Villa | 3/1 |
| Newcastle | 8/1 |
| Atletico Madrid | 8/1 |
| AC Milan | 17/2 |
| Al Hilal | 11/1 |
| Inter | 11/1 |
| Tottenham | 14/1 |
| Juventus | 14/1 |
| Dortmund | 16/1 |
Squawka suggests
The obvious choice here feels like Everton. Grealish has recently succeeded there, and the supporters at Hill Dickinson Stadium really took to him. David Moyes needs more attacking options, and he would likely relish signing someone he already knows.
That said, a move abroad also has merits.
It’s no surprise to see Serie A giants like Inter, AC Milan and Juventus high up in the odds. The Italian top-flight has long been a prime destination for top stars who are too old to be at their physical peak but still young enough to be elite contributors.
You can easily imagine Grealish’s immense technical ability serving him well in a setting like the San Siro, while the less frenetic and more tactical nature of Serie A would negate his dwindling pace.
Offers from the Saudi Pro League will doubtless come in for Grealish, and if he wants to cash in at this stage of his career, who could blame him? But if he wants to move abroad and is still driven by footballing motivations, Serie A is the logical choice.