Manchester City star Jack Grealish has been absent from the club's pre-season tour and is being linked with a move away from Enzo Maresca's side this summer
Jack Grealish looks on
Jack Grealish could be on the move again this summer(Image: David Davies/PA Wire)
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Atletico Madrid are reportedly considering a shock summer move for Manchester City star Jack Grealish. The forward has been left out of City’s tour of Asia, revealing on social media that he is recovering from a long-term injury.
Grealish returned to the Etihad Stadium this summer following a loan spell at Premier League rivals Everton. The former £100million man spent last season with the Toffees, but saw his contributions limited after picking up a foot injury.
Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are reportedly considering a move. The Middle Eastern club have already raided West Ham for Crysencio Summerville, and Grealish is now on their radar as they eye quality on the flanks.
But Al Hilal are reportedly not the only team interested in City's former treble-winning star. The Sun claim that Spanish La Liga side Atletico are looking at a possible deal.
It is claimed that the Atleti hierarchy admire Grealish's work rate both in and out of possession. The reports states that he is viewed as a strong fit for manager Diego Simeone's tactical system.
Grealish clarified the reason for his absence during City's pre-season tour. The 30-year-old said: "Just to let you know I'm still recovering from an injury so I'm not training yet. Haven't been 'left out' so stop talking poo poo thanks."
And new City boss Enzo Maresca is still not giving up on the former Aston Villa player though. The Italian worked with Grealish when he was City's assistant manager under Pep Guardiola in the club's 2022/23 treble-winning campaign before he left that summer to become Leicester City's boss.
He said: "At the moment, he's here. He's a Man City player. I always said the same.
Maresca was formerly an assistant to Pep Guardiola
Maresca formerly coached Grealish when he was an assistant to Pep Guardiola (Image: Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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"In any club I join, I like to know if there are players that belong to the club. It's my duty to try to coach them.
"Jack is here. I have a good relation with Jack since I left. Also, we keep in touch, and the reason why is because he has a big heart and he's a very good guy. So this is the reason why. And then we see what happens."
Grealish has made 157 appearances for City in all since his mega-money switch from boyhood club Villa. In that time, he has scored just 17 goals but contributed to three Premier League titles and a Champions League success.