Jack Grealish’s Man City Future: Pep Guardiola Leaves Door Open for 2026 Return
A Revival in Blue: Grealish’s Everton Loan Sparks City Reunion Hopes
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hinted at a potential return for Jack Grealish to the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2026, praising the England international’s resurgence at Everton on loan and suggesting the club has not closed the book on the £100 million man’s future. Grealish, who has been transformed from a peripheral figure at City into a talisman for the Toffees, has rediscovered his flair with one goal and four assists in seven Premier League appearances this season, including a dramatic 93rd-minute winner against Crystal Palace on October 5. “Jack has a contract for one more year with us,” Guardiola said on October 17, 2025, after City’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal. “The important thing is he is back. He is a massive influence in the Everton games. After what’s happened, maybe Manchester City want him back. We will see.”
From the Fringes to Frontline: Grealish’s Everton Rebirth
Grealish’s loan to Everton in August 2025, after a frustrating final campaign at City where he started just seven Premier League games in 2024/25, has been nothing short of a career resurrection. At Manchester City, the 30-year-old struggled to recapture the magic of his 2022/23 treble-winning season, where his dribbling and creativity were instrumental in the Champions League triumph. Injuries and competition from Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden relegated him to the bench, leading to his move to Goodison Park (now Hill Dickinson Stadium) for a reported £11 million in wages, with City covering 75% of his £300,000 weekly salary.
Under David Moyes, Grealish has been unleashed in a 4-2-3-1 system as a free-roaming No. 10, averaging 9.1 carries per 90 minutes—league-leading—and creating 17 chances in seven games. His Palace winner, bundling in a deflected clearance from Iliman Ndiaye’s cross, earned him Player of the Month honors for August and chants of “Super Jack” from 50,000 Toffees fans. “Jack’s giving Tuchel a headache,” Moyes quipped, alluding to England’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Grealish, who has 39 caps and 4 goals for the Three Lions, was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s recent squad but his Everton form makes a recall likely.
Guardiola’s Olive Branch: “Maybe Manchester City Want Him Back”
Guardiola’s comments, made after City’s win over Arsenal, were his first public reflection on Grealish since the loan. “I think he has a contract for one more year with us,” the Catalan said. “The important thing is he is back. He is a massive influence in the Everton games. After what’s happened, maybe Manchester City want him back. We will see.” The door is ajar, with City holding an option to recall Grealish in summer 2026, but Everton’s £50 million buy option and Grealish’s affinity for the club (“Everton’s massive—people don’t get that”) suggest a permanent switch is more likely.
Guardiola defended the loan as necessary: “Jack needed minutes—he’s a top player, but sometimes the situation doesn’t allow him to show it. Now he’s shining, and that’s what matters.” The City boss, who has won six Premier League titles since 2016, admitted Grealish’s departure was tough: “Jack was key in the treble—he’s got that magic. If he wants to return, the door is open.” Grealish, who signed a 6-year deal in 2021, has 17 goals in 157 appearances for City but just 7 in 2024/25.
Grealish’s Everton Impact: From ‘Rest Station’ to Icon
Grealish’s revival at Everton has been seismic. After a “miserable” final Man City campaign where he was dubbed a “rest station” by critics, he’s now the Toffees’ talisman, with 91% pass accuracy, 13/17 duels won, and 7 fouls drawn against Wolves (August 30). His Player of the Month award and “Super Jack” chants echo his Villa days, where he was a £100m sensation. “Jack’s giving us the flair we missed,” Moyes said. “He’s at his best when loved—Everton’s home.”
Grealish, sidelined for the upcoming Man City clash on October 18 due to loan rules, teased: “City’s family, but Everton’s my spark now.” His form has reignited England hopes, with Tuchel expected to recall him for November’s qualifiers.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|——–|——|————-|——-|———|
| 2024/25 | Man City | 25 | 2 | 3 |
| 2025/26 (to date) | Everton (loan) | 7 | 1 | 4 |
Future Prospects: Return or Permanent Exit?
Guardiola’s tease leaves options open: A 2026 City return for a final hurrah, or Everton’s permanent deal. Grealish, with 39 England caps and a 2026 World Cup dream, leans Merseyside: “Everton’s massive—people don’t get that.” City, with Doku and Foden thriving, may cash in for £50m, funding squad refresh. “Jack’s revival is our gain—Pep’s loss?” Moyes quipped.
Fans on X erupted: #GrealishCityReturn trended with 200k mentions. United legend Rio Ferdinand: “Jack’s magic—City’s door open? Smart, but Everton suits him.” As Grealish eyes a permanent blue rebirth, Guardiola’s “we will see” teases a twist: The maverick’s future? Open, but Everton’s calling loudest.
