Jack Grealish, once the golden boy of English football, has rediscovered his spark on Merseyside, igniting excitement among Everton fans and prompting serious discussions about his future with the club. The 29-year-old attacking midfielder, on a season-long loan from Manchester City, has made an electrifying start at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, earning the Premier League’s August Player of the Month award with four assists in just two starts. As Grealish aims to revive his career and secure a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, Everton’s stance on a potential £50 million permanent transfer has come into focus, with the club hopeful of negotiating a cut-price deal next summer.
Grealish’s move to Everton in August 2025 marked a pivotal moment in his career. After a stellar 2022-23 season with Manchester City, where he played a key role in their historic treble, his form dipped due to personal and mental challenges, compounded by injuries that limited him to just seven Premier League starts in 2024-25. “I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton – it’s massive for me, honestly,” Grealish said upon joining, highlighting the warm reception from fans and his connection with manager David Moyes. “As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go.” Moyes, a long-time admirer, has deployed Grealish in a fluid No. 10 role, granting him the freedom to showcase his dribbling flair and playmaking ability, a stark contrast to the rigid structure under Pep Guardiola at City.
The loan agreement includes a £50 million option to buy, but Everton are optimistic about securing Grealish for significantly less. With only one year left on his City contract by summer 2026, and considering his £300,000-per-week wages—three-fourths of which Everton currently cover—the Toffees see a permanent deal as a feasible prospect, especially under the financial stability brought by The Friedkin Group’s ownership. “There is no agreed number on any option for a permanent deal next year,” a source close to the club revealed, dismissing the £50 million figure as a starting point for negotiations. Analysts suggest a more realistic fee could be £25-30 million, allowing City to clear Grealish’s book value while saving on his substantial wages.
Grealish’s impact has been immediate, transforming Everton’s attack alongside players like Iliman Ndiaye. “I thought [Jack] was brilliant,” Moyes praised after a recent match, noting his synergy with Ndiaye in creating a potent offensive threat. Fans have embraced Grealish, with one social media post noting that his Instagram update about Everton garnered 800,000 likes, boosting the club’s visibility. His desire to emulate idols Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, both former Everton No. 18s, resonates deeply. “I spoke to Wayne before I came here and mentioned the number 18,” Grealish shared, underscoring his emotional investment in the move.
Off the pitch, Grealish’s marketability remains unmatched, with his image rights firm, Kelandan Ltd., reporting £15 million in earnings for 2024, up from £10.5 million the previous year. Yet, his focus is firmly on football, driven by a need to prove himself to England manager Thomas Tuchel, who has emphasized that Grealish must excel at club level to earn a national team recall. “Tuchel rates Grealish very highly, but he needs to be playing and flourishing,” an insider noted. Grealish’s performances, including a potential debut against Leeds United on August 18, 2025, signal his intent to do just that.
Everton’s gamble on Grealish is paying dividends, but the club faces a delicate balance. While the loan carries minimal risk, with no obligation to buy, a permanent deal hinges on Grealish sustaining his form and other clubs, including those from the Saudi Pro League, not entering the fray. For now, Grealish’s resurgence is a win-win, offering Everton a marquee star and City a chance to maximize his market value. As Moyes builds a competitive squad, Grealish’s journey at Everton could redefine his legacy, proving that his best days are far from over.
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