Grealish has the chance of a fresh start under a new manager at City in Maresca.
The Italian did say after Sunday’s game that Grealish will get games if he stays and impresses.
But it still feels more than likely he will end up leaving.
“Is Grealish going to be the player to change City and make a difference this season?” asked ex-Scotland winger Nevin on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I don’t think many people think that’s going to happen for Jack at Manchester City, but it’s a chance to say to any suitors at all that he’s available, he’s fit and he does look good.
“He’s done enough for me to think he’ll do a job for somebody.”
Grealish could yet return to Everton. The Toffees opted not to make the deal permanent for City’s rumoured valuation of £50m this summer.
But with one year left on his supposed £300,000-a-week deal, and with Grealish likely to be a substitute at best, City are surely going to be open to lower or loan offers.
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould said: “Grealish is still someone the Toffees would want to sign again, most likely on another loan, but he will need to have recovered from the foot surgery he underwent in January.
“Grealish has made no secret he loved playing for the Toffees and his social media bio still has Everton as his club so if all parties can agree a deal then I would expect him to be back.”
Could he even go back to his boyhood club Aston Villa, who are in the Champions League this season?
BBC Radio WM presenter Daz Hale said: “There is a real romance of the return of the prodigal son. You always felt it was written at some point he would come back.
“He is still a wonderful talent and adds real personality to a football team. He carries the ball really well, and we have lost Morgan Rogers.
“It is a Champions League season again for Villa, they need to have strength in depth with a deeper talent pool. I think he would be an asset to Villa. You cannot have too many good players.
“Whether it is this year or next year, I just think it is written in the stars that he will come back.”
Or could an overseas move for Grealish hold some appeal? Several media outlets claim that Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are looking at him.
The window is open for another fortnight. Grealish must be peering through and wondering what path his career is about to follow.
For now, he remains City’s player, with just that lingering possibility he could still revive his career at the Etihad.
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