---
title: "Maresca talks won’t change reality: City ready to cut ties with Jack Grealish"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2026/07/10/jack-grealish-man-city-transfer-everton-permanent-move/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Man City News"
published: "2026-07-10T16:16:28Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T19:31:09Z"
---

# Maresca talks won’t change reality: City ready to cut ties with Jack Grealish

**The dawn of the Enzo Maresca era at the Etihad was always going to start with a calculated reassessment of the [Man City](https://readmancity.com/) squad Pep Guardiola left behind. For Jack Grealish, the latest soundbites suggest that a clean break remains the most likely outcome this summer.**

Despite recent face-to-face discussions between the new manager and the 30-year-old winger regarding his tactical fit, the club hierarchy’s stance has not wavered. According to reports from[*Football Insider*](https://www.footballinsider247.com/manchester-city/man-city-make-new-jack-grealish-decision-after-enzo-maresca-meeting), Manchester City remain entirely open to selling Grealish, who is now firmly viewed as surplus to requirements despite the initial optimism surrounding the managerial change.

It is a harsh reality for a player who cost a British-record £100 million five years ago. While Maresca’s arrival briefly ignited hope among sections of the fanbase that the creative midfielder might get a clean slate, the financial and structural reality of rebuilding the post-Pep squad appears to have taken precedence.

Everton, where Grealish spent last season on loan, remain the clear frontrunners for his signature. Despite a foot injury curtailing his time on Merseyside, his performances under David Moyes reminded onlookers of his undoubted quality, prompting the Toffees to pursue a permanent deal.

With Grealish entering the final two years of his contract, City seem pragmatic. Rather than attempting to force a square peg into a round hole under Maresca, the champions look prepared to take a hit on their initial investment to trim the wage bill and reshape the flanks.

The romantic notion (for some) of a Grealish renaissance under the new boss is fading fast; a permanent departure is now beckoning.