Gabby Agbonlahor, former Aston Villa teammate of Jack Grealish, has suggested that the midfielder’s future may lie outside the Premier League following his loan spell at Everton.
Grealish had a promising stint at Everton after joining on loan from Manchester City, delivering two late match-winning goals and six assists. However, his season was cut short by a stress fracture in his foot sustained during Everton’s 1-0 victory over Villa in January. This injury sidelined the 30-year-old for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign. Despite recovery training at Everton towards the season’s end, Grealish has now returned to Manchester City and awaits clarity on his career path.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor expressed doubts about Grealish’s future at City or even within English football. “It will be interesting to see what happens with Jack, if he’s given a chance by Maresca,” he said. “He would have been part of that Man City squad that Maresca was at. Or, will the manager think: ‘No,’ and will Jack think: ‘Maybe I want to move on.’”
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Agbonlahor believes Grealish is unlikely to remain at Manchester City. “I don’t see him staying there; I see him moving on. It wouldn’t surprise me if he moves somewhere else in Europe. I don’t see him staying in the Premier League,” he added. The former England international also noted that Grealish’s remaining contract length and wages could pose challenges for Premier League clubs. However, a return to Everton remains a possibility, given manager David Moyes’ fondness for him.
Grealish himself has publicly praised Moyes: after scoring a late winner against Bournemouth, he said, “I love the manager to pieces. I’ve only known him a few months, and I can’t speak highly enough of him as a person, how he makes me feel, and how he makes me want to go and play for him. So credit to him.”
Enzo Maresca, the new Manchester City manager following Pep Guardiola’s departure, was previously Guardiola’s assistant. Reports suggest Maresca may be open to giving Grealish a fresh opportunity with City once he regains full fitness. Grealish recently shared images on social media of himself undergoing fitness training back with his parent club, stating, “Nice to see everyone, I’m nearly there! Hopefully not long now till back training for good.”
While many Aston Villa fans would welcome Grealish’s return, several questions remain. Would he fit into Unai Emery’s tactical system? Does Emery value him enough to pursue a reunion? What transfer fee might be involved, and would Villa be willing to pay it? Sometimes, the saying “you never go back” rings true.
Nonetheless, the affection Grealish holds for his boyhood club, where he arguably played his best football, is undeniable. Though his Premier League future appears uncertain, options both in England and Europe seem to be under consideration as he looks ahead.