Grealish has an opportunity for a clean slate under City’s new boss, Maresca.
After Sunday’s game, the Italian said Grealish will get minutes if he stays and performs.
Even so, a departure still feels the more likely outcome.
Ex-Scotland winger Nevin asked on BBC Radio 5 Live whether Grealish will truly be the player to lift City this season.
He said few believe that will happen at Manchester City, but this period lets potential suitors see he’s available, fit, and sharp.
Nevin added Grealish has shown enough to do a job for another club.
A return to Everton remains possible. The Toffees declined a permanent move at City’s reported £50m asking price this summer.
With a year left on a reported £300,000-a-week contract—and with Grealish likely to be a substitute—City would surely entertain reduced fees or a loan.
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould said the Toffees would still want him back, most likely on loan, provided he has fully recovered from the foot surgery he had in January.
She noted Grealish loved playing for the Toffees and his social media bio still lists Everton, so if a deal can be struck, a return would be expected.
There’s also the prospect of going back to boyhood club Aston Villa, who are in the Champions League this season.
BBC Radio WM presenter Daz Hale said the romance of a prodigal son’s return feels strong—it’s long seemed like it would happen eventually.
He called Grealish a superb talent with real personality who carries the ball brilliantly, adding that Villa have lost Morgan Rogers.
With another Champions League campaign, Villa need depth and a broader talent pool. Hale believes Grealish would be an asset—you can’t have too many good players.
Whether this year or next, he suggested, a Villa homecoming feels written in the stars.
An overseas move could also appeal, with several outlets linking Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
With two weeks left in the window, Grealish is weighing which direction his career will take.
For now, he’s still a City player, with a lingering chance to reignite his career at the Etihad.