Jack Grealish made a somewhat unexpected return to the Manchester City team on Sunday – so what could his future hold?

Grealish’s career with the club seemed finished when he spent last season on loan at Everton, but they did not make the move permanent.

The 30-year-old, who did not feature for City in pre-season, came on at half-time in their 3-0 Community Shield defeat by Arsenal in Cardiff.

“Overall, Jack was good,” said new boss Enzo Maresca afterwards.

“The ones that are still here, they are going to work every day, and if they deserve it they are going to get minutes.

“The transfer window is open and we will see what happens.”

Grealish had been left out of the squad for the team’s tour to Asia earlier this summer, but he said he was recovering from an injury.

Could Grealish now grasp a City lifeline – or will he be on the move?

Grealish replaced Jeremy Doku at the break, with City 2-0 down, and played 45 minutes on the left wing.

It was his first appearance for the club since a late substitute appearance against Bournemouth in May 2025, and his 158th game for City overall.

He put in a couple of crosses as well as completing 21 of his 24 passes.

“Looking at him out there now, he’s in good nick,” said BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Pat Nevin.

“He has looked good since he’s come on.

“He’s not going beyond players, but he’s trying to create space and he’s actually put a couple of very good crosses in.”

Manchester City paid £100m to sign Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021.

He played regularly in his first two seasons – and helped City win the Treble in 2022-23, including playing in the Champions League final win over Inter Milan.

But in the following season he made just 10 starts in the Premier League, with Jeremy Doku taking his place in the team.

Grealish hinted at off-field problems, while City’s then boss Pep Guardiola said: “He is the same player, he has the same manager and the way we play has not changed.

“It’s just the way he has performed. That’s the difference.”

In 2024-25 he fell out of favour even more and started just seven league games. He was then left out of their Club World Cup squad.

The most recent of his 39 England caps came in October 2024.

Many felt Guardiola’s style of play had taken the magic out of the maverick’s game.

A loan spell followed at Everton last season and it started in fantastic fashion under David Moyes.

Grealish won his first Premier League player of the month award in August, after four assists in his opening three league games.

“It’s a big privilege to be given that accolade and I’m pleased for him because everybody knows he’s back again,” Moyes said.

“He’s come back with the right mindset to produce and he has produced for us. He’s made a big difference. It’s just the start for Jack.”

But Grealish did not keep up that form and an unfortunate foot injury in January ended his season prematurely.

Grealish has the chance of a fresh start under a new manager at City in Maresca.

The Italian did say after Sunday’s game that Grealish will get games if he stays and impresses.

But it still feels more than likely he will end up leaving.

“Is Grealish going to be the player to change City and make a difference this season?” asked ex-Scotland winger Nevin on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I don’t think many people think that’s going to happen for Jack at Manchester City, but it’s a chance to say to any suitors at all that he’s available, he’s fit and he does look good.

“He’s done enough for me to think he’ll do a job for somebody.”

Grealish could yet return to Everton. The Toffees opted not to make the deal permanent for City’s rumoured valuation of £50m this summer.

But with one year left on his supposed £300,000-a-week deal, and with Grealish likely to be a substitute at best, City are surely going to be open to lower or loan offers.

BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould said: “Grealish is still someone the Toffees would want to sign again, most likely on another loan, but he will need to have recovered from the foot surgery he underwent in January.

“Grealish has made no secret he loved playing for the Toffees and his social media bio still has Everton as his club so if all parties can agree a deal then I would expect him to be back.”

Could he even go back to his boyhood club Aston Villa, who are in the Champions League this season?

BBC Radio WM presenter Daz Hale said: “There is a real romance of the return of the prodigal son. You always felt it was written at some point he would come back.

“He is still a wonderful talent and adds real personality to a football team. He carries the ball really well, and we have lost Morgan Rogers.

“It is a Champions League season again for Villa, they need to have strength in depth with a deeper talent pool. I think he would be an asset to Villa. You cannot have too many good players.

“Whether it is this year or next year, I just think it is written in the stars that he will come back.”

Or could an overseas move for Grealish hold some appeal? Several media outlets claim that Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are looking at him.

The window is open for another fortnight. Grealish must be peering through and wondering what path his career is about to follow.

For now, he remains City’s player, with just that lingering possibility he could still revive his career at the Etihad.