In a fiery defense of one of English football’s most polarizing talents, former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce has passionately backed Jack Grealish’s season-long loan move to Everton for the 2025/26 campaign. The transfer, which sees the 29-year-old winger depart Manchester City in search of regular playing time, has sparked debate, with some questioning whether Grealish’s flair fits Everton’s tactical setup under manager David Moyes. Allardyce, speaking on talkSPORT, didn’t hold back, particularly targeting pundit Simon Jordan’s claim that Moyes struggles with creative players. “Simon, you’re so wrong. It’s unbelievable,” Allardyce declared, setting the stage for a compelling narrative around Grealish’s fresh start at Goodison Park.
## A New Chapter for Grealish
Jack Grealish, once the £100 million man who swapped Aston Villa for Manchester City in 2021, has faced a challenging few years. Despite amassing trophies with the Sky Blues, including a Premier League title and a continental treble, his playing time dwindled last season to just 715 minutes across 20 Premier League appearances. The lack of minutes cost him a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad, a bitter pill for a player known for his charisma and flair. Now, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Grealish’s move to Everton offers a chance to rediscover the form that made him a household name.
“Absolutely, very, very excited indeed,” Allardyce said, reflecting the buzz among Everton fans. The Toffees, who finished eighth under Allardyce’s brief tenure in 2017-18, are banking on Grealish to inject creativity into their midfield. Moyes, returning to Everton, plans to deploy Grealish in a free-roaming number 10 role, reminiscent of his standout days at Villa. Allardyce, who knows Moyes well, dismissed suggestions that the manager can’t handle flair players. “You don’t know Moyesy, I do,” he insisted. “Moyesy will do a great job with Jack. Jack will flourish under Moyesy. Everton will love him.”
## The Controversy and Allardyce’s Rebuttal
The move hasn’t been without its critics. Simon Jordan, a former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT pundit, argued that Grealish’s style might clash with Moyes’ pragmatic approach, predicting a mismatch for the flamboyant winger. Allardyce, however, was having none of it. “Simon was saying on the radio yesterday that he shouldn’t be going to Moyesy, because Moyesy doesn’t like flair players. Simon, you’re so wrong,” he said, his frustration palpable. Allardyce’s confidence stems from Moyes’ track record and Grealish’s hunger to prove himself. “Jack just wants to play football,” he added, noting reports that Grealish took a pay cut to facilitate the move, with Everton covering up to half of his £300,000-a-week wages.
The transfer also carries symbolic weight. Grealish chose the number 18 shirt, a nod to his idols Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, both of whom wore it at Everton. “There is a reason for [choosing number 18],” Grealish told evertonfc.com. “My two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, and I know they both wore number 18 here. So, as soon as I knew this deal was close, I had a look and number 18 was free, so that was perfect for me.” His conversation with Rooney before the move underscored his commitment to making an impact.
## Grealish’s Mission and Everton’s Hopes
For Grealish, the loan to Everton is about more than just playing time—it’s a chance to secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup. His versatility and playmaking ability could be a game-changer for Everton, who are looking to climb the Premier League table after years of mid-table struggles. Allardyce urged Grealish to make the move permanent, warning that staying at Manchester City could see his career “go backwards.” “Get out of there as quickly as you can,” he advised, acknowledging Pep Guardiola’s brilliance but emphasizing Grealish’s need for regular football.
Fans and pundits alike are watching closely. Grealish’s arrival has been hailed as a coup for Everton, with the potential to mirror the impact of iconic players like Rooney. If he can replicate the magic he showed at Villa—where he was once described by Allardyce as the kind of player who could keep a team like West Brom up—Everton could be in for a thrilling season. “He’ll go out there and play football,” Allardyce predicted, brimming with optimism.
## Looking Ahead
As Grealish settles into life at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, the spotlight will be on his ability to silence doubters and reignite his career. With Moyes’ guidance and Allardyce’s vocal support, the stage is set for a redemption arc that could redefine Grealish’s legacy. Whether he can channel the spirit of Gascoigne and Rooney while wearing the number 18 remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the football world is watching, and Grealish is ready to prove his critics wrong.
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