Pep Guardiola has admitted there remains uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Jack Grealish, with the Manchester City manager offering a candid assessment of the winger’s current situation following an injury-disrupted campaign.
The England national team international spent the season away from the Etihad Stadium on loan at Everton, where he had begun to rebuild momentum with a string of encouraging performances.
However, that progress was halted when a stress fracture in his foot prematurely ended his season, leaving both club and player to reflect on what comes next.
Uncertainty clouds Grealish’s next move
Grealish’s temporary spell on Merseyside had been viewed as an opportunity for the 28-year-old to rediscover consistent playing time, something that had proved difficult in recent campaigns at City despite flashes of his undeniable talent.
Before his injury setback, he had managed to establish a more regular presence in the starting line-up, contributing both goals and assists at a rate that surpassed his combined output from the previous two seasons.
Yet, with Everton reportedly reluctant to activate the £50 million clause required to make the move permanent, attention has shifted back to Manchester and what role, if any, Grealish might play under Guardiola moving forward.
Asked directly about the player’s future during a recent interview, Guardiola did not attempt to offer certainty, instead delivering a measured response that underlined both his admiration for the player and the complexity of the situation.
“I don’t know,” Guardiola answered about Grealish’s future. “I want the best for Jack.
“I know his impact was really good. Played the minutes that he had in the treble season.”
The City manager’s reference to the club’s historic treble-winning campaign highlighted a period when Grealish was integral to the team’s success, delivering performances that combined work rate, creativity and tactical discipline.
That season remains the benchmark for the level Guardiola believes the winger is capable of reaching consistently.
However, the Spaniard was also willing to reflect on the period that followed, acknowledging that both player and club may not have been able to replicate those same heights.
“In the treble season he was extraordinary and after that maybe I didn’t help him or maybe we could not reach the level that he had,” Guardiola added.
A return to form hinges on consistency
While speculation continues over whether Grealish will return to Manchester or seek a fresh start elsewhere, Guardiola made it clear that the player’s future ultimately lies in his own hands.
Central to that is the need for regular playing time, something the manager believes is essential if the winger is to rediscover his best form.
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“He needs to play game, game, game,” Guardiola explained. “At Everton now he had an injury, but hopefully he can recover and the next season he can continue to play.”
For a player whose game relies heavily on rhythm, confidence and involvement, extended periods on the sidelines can be particularly damaging.
The injury sustained in January not only curtailed his progress but also disrupted the continuity he had been building throughout the season.
Guardiola was unequivocal when addressing whether Grealish can return to his peak, placing the responsibility squarely on the player himself.
“It depends on him,” the Catalan insisted on the possibility of Grealish returning to his best. “It depends absolutely on him. The quality is no doubt, everything is there.”
