- Jack Grealish has been on loan at Everton
- An injury has ended his season prematurely
- His future at Man City remains in doubt
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said he does not know is Jack Grealish has a future at the club when he returns from loan next season.
The 30-year-old England international has been on loan with the Toffees, and had looked to be regaining some of his old form.
Grealish played 20 Premier League games for David Moyes’ side, scoring twice and providing six assists, before a foot injury ended his season prematurely.
That injury required surgery and ended Grealish’s World Cup hopes with England. It also meant Everton will no longer look to activate their £50 million buy option on the winger’s loan deal.
With a return to City next season now confirmed, the former Aston Villa man is facing serious question marks over his future.
Jack Grealish facing uncertain Manchester City future
Speaking in his pre-Everton press conference via Beanyman Sports, Guardiola admitted he didn’t know what the future held for Grealish.
The Catalan coach said he hoped to see Grealish play more next season, having recovered from the injury that has ended his current campaign.
Guardiola said: “I don’t know. I want the best for Jack. I know the impact [at Everton] was really good, playing minutes he had in the Treble season.
“The Treble season [he] was extraordinary and after maybe I didn’t help him or maybe we couldn’t reach the level he had. And he needs game, game, game and Everton [he] had. Unfortunately the injury, but hopefully he can recover and next season can continue to play.
“It depends on him [as to whether he can get back to his best]. It depends absolutely on him. The quality is no doubt, everything is there.”
New generation of Man City stars have replaced Grealish
Earlier this season, with City struggling and Grealish performing well at Everton, it looked possible that he could return to the Etihad next season and fight for his place.
However, the form of players like Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki, as well as the arrival of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, means City look strong in attack once more.
Academy graduate and local hero Phil Foden has already been pushed out of the squad, so Grealish would find it incredibly difficult to force his way back in.
Where next for Jack Grealish?
If he does not manage to impress in pre-season, it feels highly likely that Grealish will leave City permanently before next season.
At 30, he is entering the latter stages of his career, but still has plenty to offer. As his early months at Everton proved, he could be a great addition for a mid-table side.
A return to the Midlands with newly-promoted Coventry City could be an option, while he may be tempted to move overseas for a fresh start.
