Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish has been excluded from the club's pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Seoul. This decision comes despite his return to training last week, casting significant doubt on his long-term future with the Premier League champions. Grealish, 30, is entering the final 12 months of his contract, reportedly worth £300,000 per week, with no indication of new terms being offered.
The exclusion stems primarily from his ongoing recovery from a season-ending foot injury suffered in January during a loan spell at Everton. This injury not only cut short his time at Hill Dickinson Stadium but also ended his chances of playing for England in the World Cup. The club's decision to leave him out of the 11-day tour suggests a cautious approach to his rehabilitation, or perhaps a signal regarding his position within the squad under new manager Enzo Maresca.
This development unfolds against a backdrop of broader changes at Manchester City. The club is embarking on a new era under Maresca, who has taken an unfamiliar-looking squad of 28 players for the tour. Key figures like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden are absent, having been granted time off after World Cup duties. The inclusion of numerous players from the elite development squad highlights a potential shift towards integrating younger talent, which could further marginalize established players like Grealish.
New manager Enzo Maresca has publicly stated his duty to coach all players belonging to the club. He remarked, "At the moment, he is here. He is a Manchester City player. I always said the same. In any club I join, I like to know if there are players that belong to the club." However, Maresca is reportedly concerned by recent images of Grealish being pictured drinking in the afternoon twice in the past three months. These incidents could complicate his reintegration into the first-team setup.
The immediate implication is that Grealish's market value may be affected, particularly with his contract nearing its end. Potential suitors might be deterred by his injury history and recent off-field conduct. Decision-makers at City will need to determine whether to reintegrate him, sanction a move, or risk losing him on a free transfer next summer. The situation will be closely watched by fans and other clubs as the transfer window progresses.
Grealish has not played competitive football since the start of the year. His compatriot Kalvin Phillips also returns to the club after an unsuccessful loan spell at Sheffield United and has similarly been excluded from the tour. Phillips, 30, has played only seven minutes of EFL Cup action for City over the past two seasons, indicating a clear path towards his departure this summer. The club appears open to offers for both players.
As Manchester City prepares for its first game under Maresca against Serie A champions Inter Milan, Grealish will be observing from afar. His absence from the tour, combined with his contract situation and injury, suggests a critical juncture in his career. The coming weeks will reveal whether he can revive his standing at City or if a move away from the Etihad Stadium is inevitable for the former Aston Villa captain.