Jack Grealish has kept the No.18 shirt for Man City this season, with the number now shown next to his name in the club’s official squad listings for 2026/27.
It’s the same number he wore during his loan spell at Everton last year, which he chose as a tribute to Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne after his long-standing No.10 went to Rayan Cherki following his move to Merseyside last summer.
The registration is a formality rather than a signal of intent from City.
Grealish remains in the final year of his Man City contract, was left out of the club’s pre-season tour squad while working on his fitness away from the group, and new boss Enzo Maresca has stopped short of committing to him beyond a half-time cameo in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
“The ones that are still here, they are going to work every day, and if they deserve it they are going to get minutes,” Maresca said afterwards. “The transfer window is open, and we will see what happens.”
Everton have confirmed ongoing interest in a second loan move. CEO Angus Kinnear told BBC Radio Merseyside the club has “remained in contact” with the 30-year-old throughout the summer, while praising his decision to complete his injury rehabilitation at Everton’s own facilities rather than City’s.
Atlético Madrid have also been credited with interest.
For now, Grealish trains on with a squad number to his name but no clear route into Maresca’s plans, and no resolution before the window shuts.
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