Jack Grealish, the dynamic England international, has reignited his career with a dazzling start at Everton, prompting the Toffees to explore a permanent transfer from Manchester City. The 30-year-old winger, currently on a season-long loan at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, has quickly become a fan favorite, earning the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for August 2025 with four assists in just two starts. This resurgence has not only revitalized Grealish’s prospects but also set the stage for complex negotiations between the two clubs, as Everton aims to secure a cut-price deal for a player whose £100 million transfer to City in 2021 once made him Britain’s most expensive footballer.
Grealish’s journey to Merseyside was born out of necessity. After a stellar 2022-23 season, where he played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s historic Treble—starting every Champions League knockout tie and the FA Cup final—his fortunes waned. Limited to just seven Premier League starts last season and excluded from City’s Club World Cup squad, Grealish found himself on the fringes under Pep Guardiola. “I’m the person who fought for him to come here and to stay,” Guardiola once said, but the arrival of new talents like Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki left Grealish surplus to requirements. Seeking regular football to revive his England career ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Grealish embraced Everton’s offer, a move facilitated by manager David Moyes’ vision. “As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go,” Grealish enthused, citing Moyes’ belief in his potential to rediscover his Aston Villa flair.
At Everton, Grealish has flourished, donning the number 18 shirt in homage to idols Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne. “There is a reason [for choosing number 18],” he explained, noting their shared history with the club. His impact has been immediate, transforming Everton’s attacking dynamics with his creativity and leadership. Moyes, a long-time admirer, sees Grealish as a potential No. 10, though his versatility allows him to shine on the left or centrally. “I think we’re getting him at a good time because he’s experienced, he understands the Premier League, and we’re all fully aware of the levels he’s capable of performing to,” Moyes said, confident in Grealish’s ability to elevate the squad.
The loan deal, finalized in August 2025, includes a £50 million option to buy, but Everton is keen to negotiate a lower fee. With Grealish’s City contract entering its final year in 2026, the Toffees sense an opportunity to twist City’s arm. “It’s something they’re planning to talk to Man City about, because the fee in his contract at the moment is probably going to be in excess of what they’re willing to pay,” a source close to the negotiations revealed. Everton’s confidence stems from Grealish’s willingness to stay, evidenced by his reported readiness to accept a pay cut from his £300,000-a-week wages to secure a long-term future on Merseyside. The club’s new ownership under The Friedkin Group further bolsters their ambition, signaling an end to years of financial caution.
However, challenges remain. City’s preference for a permanent sale over another loan complicates matters, and Grealish’s hefty salary poses a hurdle, though both clubs are open to sharing the burden. Everton’s early talks, initiated in August, were described as “complicated,” but Grealish’s performances have shifted the narrative. His four assists in four Premier League games have drawn comparisons to his Aston Villa days, where he was a “free-spirited maverick.” Fans have embraced him, flooding his social media with support. “I want to say thank you to the fans for all of the love and support. I hope I can repay you now,” Grealish said, his commitment clear.
As Everton prepares for a new era at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Grealish’s signing could be a statement of intent. A permanent deal would signal their ambition to compete at the Premier League’s top echelons, but it hinges on striking a balance with City’s expectations. For Grealish, the stakes are personal—regaining his England spot under Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup is paramount. “Looking at the market, where are they going to get a player who can improve their side as much as he has?” a recruitment expert noted, underscoring Grealish’s value. As negotiations loom, all eyes are on whether Everton can secure their talisman for a bargain, cementing a partnership that could redefine their future.
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