Jack Grealish has returned to training at Manchester City's City Football Academy following the end of his season-long loan at Everton.
New manager Enzo Maresca is now evaluating the squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The 30-year-old winger is entering the final 12 months of his six-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Grealish made 157 appearances, scored 17 goals, and recorded 23 assists for City after joining for £100 million from Aston Villa in 2021.
During his loan spell at Everton, Grealish contributed six assists and scored two match-winning goals before sustaining a stress fracture in his foot on January 18 against Aston Villa.
The injury required surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2025–26 season and ending his chances of making England's World Cup squad.
Grealish shared updates on his rehabilitation via social media during his return to individual fitness work. "Nice to see everyone, am nearly there!
Hopefully not long now till back training for good," he said.
The arrival of Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola after the manager's 10-year stint, presents a new dynamic for returning players.
Former Aston Villa teammate Gabby Agbonlahor commented on Grealish's future during a talkSPORT broadcast.
"It will be interesting to see what happens with Jack, if he's given a chance by Maresca," Agbonlahor said.
He expressed doubts about whether the winger would remain in the squad or the domestic league.
"He would have been part of that Man City squad that Maresca was at (as assistant).
Or, will the manager think, 'No', and will Jack think, 'Do you know what? Maybe I want to move on'," Agbonlahor added.
Agbonlahor noted that time remains in the current transfer window to determine the next steps.
"I think it's still early doors, we have to see what happens over the next six weeks, there's still six weeks left of the transfer window," he said.
He suggested a move outside England could be a potential outcome. "I don't see him staying there, I see him moving on," Agbonlahor said.
He expanded on the possibility of a transfer to another European club.
"It wouldn't surprise me if he moves somewhere else in Europe, I don't see him staying in the Premier League."
Agbonlahor highlighted potential financial parameters for interested teams.
"I think he's still got one year left on his contract, the wages as well, will that be a problem for some clubs maybe in the Premier League?"
He concluded by suggesting Everton could remain an option. "But don't rule out maybe going back to Everton, David Moyes loved him."
Grealish previously praised his working relationship with Everton manager David Moyes following a match in December. "I love the manager to pieces.
I've only known him a few months and I can't speak highly enough of him as a person, how he makes me feel and how he makes me want to go and play for him.
So credit to him," Grealish said.
Former defender Joleon Lescott addressed rumors regarding a potential move outside Europe, confirming there have been no discussions about Major League Soccer.
"The fact that it's a new manager, it gives him an opportunity to showcase his ambition, his appetite for the game.
And that's one thing I don't think anyone can question, his appetite and love for the game," Lescott said.
Lescott elaborated on Grealish's drive to perform at the highest level.
"I'm sure not being able to be available for selection has hurt him for the World Cup, so I'm sure he's got ambitions still of playing for England."
He explicitly denied reports connecting the player to American leagues.
"I haven't seen a link, I don't know if that's a rumour that we're creating, but having spoken to Jack, there's been no conversations about MLS or overseas."
Lescott emphasized the winger's continued commitment to top-tier competition.
"Again, with the greatest respect to lesser leagues, his ambition is to perform at the highest level and play for England."
In the squad hierarchy, Grealish faces competition on the left wing from Jeremy Doku, who registered eight goals and 14 assists across 47 appearances last season.
Manchester City's pre-season schedule includes an upcoming tour, which will serve as an indicator for squad selection ahead of the 2026–27 Premier League season.
