Jack Grealish warned his Man City career is over as Enzo Maresca admits he hasn’t spoken to £100m man

Jack Grealish has been warned that his future lies away from Man City.

That’s what The Athletic’s City correspondent Sam Lee told Weekend Sports Breakfast as speculation surrounding his next club continues.

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The 30-year-old returned to his parent club this summer with his future unclear after spending last season on loan at Everton.

The 39-cap England international scored twice and registered six assists in 22 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions.

However, he sustained a stress fracture in his foot playing against another of his old clubs, Aston Villa, in January.

Grealish’s injury not only ended his club season early, but also ruled out any hope of making a late dash for England’s World Cup squad.

Everton opted against activating their £50million buy option in the winger’s loan deal, which saw him return to the Etihad Stadium.

talkSPORT understands that there is interest from the Saudi Pro League for Grealish, with Al Hilal a potential option.

Having been frozen out by Pep Guardiola, Grealish may have harboured hopes of making a fresh start after Maresca replaced the Spaniard following the latter’s decision to step down in May.

However, that foot injury ensured he’s been unable to make the club’s pre-season tour, and Lee claimed the writing is on the wall for his future at the Etihad.

“I think it’s only a question mark insofar as where he’s gonna go, how much,” He said on talkSPORT’s Weekend Breakfast.

“It’s like a couple of years ago when there was, I’m not saying there’s been like a falling out with Grealish, but it’s a similar situation where I don’t think he’s got much of a future there.

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“But with [Joao] Cancelo a couple of years ago when there was a falling out, he was on the preseason tour, but it was like, they are gonna get rid of him. It’s just a question of where he goes.

“With Grealish, he wasn’t really left out explicitly. He’s still kind of coming back from that injury you mentioned.

“He had foot surgery in February. Obviously, [Enzo] Maresca has changed, and there’s a chance that he could have a different view on it from [Pep] Guardiola.

“But under Guardiola, he was very much out of the picture.

“Guardiola and Maresca are close. They’ll have talked a lot. I’d be surprised if Grealish gets another look in, to be honest.”

Maresca’s response

Maresca was asked about Grealish’s future and surprisingly admitted that he has not even spoken to him.

Speaking to the media, Maresca said: “I didn’t speak with Jack while I am here. Jack is a City player. When we are back in Manchester, if he is fit he will work with us.” 

Grealish joined City from Villa for £100m in the summer of 2021 and has enjoyed a trophy laden spell at the Etihad.

He played a vital role in their treble success during the 2022/23 season and has won three Premier League titles overall.