Jack Grealish’s Manchester City career could resume in summer 2026, says Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has left the door open at the Etihad Stadium to a possible return for on-loan forward Jack Grealish.

Since completing his temporary switch to Everton in the summer, Grealish has made an instant impact on Merseyside, quickly turning into one of the Premier League’s feel-good stories of the season so far.

The winger collected the division’s Player of the Month award for August after four assists and a string of match-winning displays, with his revival coming after a relatively difficult end to life at Manchester City amid injuries, competition for places, and tactical evolution.

Yet despite his exit, Jack Grealish has continued to express affection for his former club, with teammates such as Erling Haaland and Phil Foden also showing support for his performances from afar.

Everton, meanwhile, are believed to be exploring ways to turn his loan into a permanent move, reportedly aiming to secure a reduced deal next summer despite an existing £50 million option-to-buy clause, although their plan hinges on Grealish maintaining his current level of form and City’s willingness to negotiate.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on whether he would be happy to see Jack Grealish complete a permanent exit away from Manchester City next summer by joining Everton.

“Listen, I don’t know,” the 54-year-old responded. “I think he has a contract – one more year, two more years with us.”

Guardiola continued, “The most important thing is he’s back, he’s playing, a massive influence in the Everton game is there and after what happens, maybe Manchester City wants him back, so I don’t know. Many things are still going to happen.

“It’s about the clubs, the agents, of course the managers involved, but especially the clubs and we’ll see. The important [thing] is playing again, a lot of minutes.

“And this starter or this player, when it happened in the last two seasons, at the end – he said it perfectly – ‘I have to feel I’m alive, I have to see the butterflies before the game’, and this kind of passion to play in football that every player needs. And I’m happy, really, really honestly, that he’s back and trying his best.”

Pep Guardiola’s comments appear to leave all possibilities on the table; while City could choose to cash in next summer – especially if Everton push for a permanent transfer – the door remains open for Grealish to resume his Etihad Stadium career should circumstances align.

That could depend on City’s squad evolution in wide areas, with Rayan Cherki now wearing the No.10 shirt following Jack Grealish’s departure and already establishing himself as an influential figure in Pep Guardiola’s plans.

However, should Manchester City require further attacking depth or experience next season, Jack Grealish’s return could be seen as a valuable ready-made solution. For now, Grealish’s focus will remain on maintaining his form at Everton and leading David Moyes’ impressive side into the top half of the table.