Jack Grealish, the charismatic England winger, has quickly become the heartbeat of Everton’s new era at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The 29-year-old, on loan from Manchester City for the 2025/26 season, has wasted no time endearing himself to the Toffees’ faithful, delivering standout performances and heartfelt messages that signal a player rediscovering his love for the game. After inspiring Everton to a 2-0 victory over Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup on August 27, 2025, Grealish took to social media to share his excitement, praising his teammates’ spirit and igniting optimism among fans for a transformative season. “Another good performance at our home. Well done boys through to the next round. Looking forward to Saturday already,” he wrote on Instagram, accompanied by a heart emoji, reflecting the joy he’s found at his new club.
Grealish’s journey to Merseyside began with a bold move away from a frustrating spell at Manchester City, where he started just seven Premier League matches last season. Sidelined by Pep Guardiola in favor of younger talents like Jeremy Doku and Savinho, Grealish also faced the sting of exclusion from England’s Euro 2024 squad. Yet, under the guidance of Everton manager David Moyes, he’s found a platform to rediscover the flair that made him a £100 million star. His debut against Brighton on August 24 was a masterclass, as he provided two assists in a 2-0 win that marked the historic opening of Hill Dickinson Stadium. Grealish teed up Iliman Ndiaye for the first-ever goal at the new venue and set up James Garner’s long-range strike, earning a standing ovation from over 50,000 fans. “I’ve been here now for just 10 days or something and I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said, his beaming smile a testament to his renewed passion. “Everyone has welcomed me so, so nicely. The manager has been brilliant with me, always speaking with me and making me feel wanted and loved really.”
The Carabao Cup win over Mansfield, with goals from Carlos Alcaraz and Beto, further showcased Everton’s growing attacking cohesion. Grealish, handed his second consecutive start, was instrumental in maintaining the team’s momentum, even if his role was less prominent due to Moyes’ rotation strategy. “The group are a good group and I could see that from the outside over the last couple of years,” Grealish noted, emphasizing the camaraderie he’s found alongside players like Ndiaye, Thierno Barry, and new £40 million signing Tyler Dibling. His Instagram post, featuring images from the match, resonated with teammates and fans alike, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall responding with heart emojis and Jordan Pickford and Jarrad Branthwaite showing support. Even former Manchester City colleagues like Phil Foden and Erling Haaland liked the post, a nod to Grealish’s enduring popularity.
Moyes, who orchestrated Grealish’s loan move with a £50 million option to buy, has been pivotal in unlocking the winger’s potential. “I think we’re getting him at a good time because he’s experienced, and we’re all fully aware of the levels he’s capable of performing to,” Moyes said, confident that Everton can help Grealish reclaim his England spot ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Grealish’s performance against Brighton highlighted his versatility, winning possession seven times and matching Ndiaye with three tackles while carrying the ball forward with purpose. “I felt really good. It was nice,” he said, relishing the freedom Moyes grants him. “Out there I could drift, I could do what I want more or less and play with a bit of freedom, take more risks.”
The contrast to his City days is stark. Under Guardiola, Grealish’s creativity was often curtailed, with his dribbles per game dropping by 56% last season. At Everton, he’s rediscovering the direct, swashbuckling style that defined his Aston Villa days, where he captained the side to promotion in 2019. His choice of the number 18 shirt, a tribute to idols Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, underscores his connection to Everton’s history. “There were other numbers, but my two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, and I know they both wore number 18 here,” he explained.
As Everton prepare for a Premier League clash against Wolves on August 30, Grealish’s early impact has sparked talk of a permanent move. Despite interest from Newcastle, Tottenham, and Napoli, he chose Everton, drawn by Moyes’ vision and the club’s passionate fanbase. “The stadium, the fans, the passion!! And thank you to the fans for such a nice reception! Incredible,” he posted after his debut. With Everton still eyeing midfield reinforcements like Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, Grealish’s influence is already transforming a side that struggled for goals last season. His message to fans reflects a player not just playing for a club, but living for it, ready to make Hill Dickinson Stadium a fortress.
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