Jack Grealish’s loan move from Manchester City to Everton has sparked a frenzy among Dream Team managers, with the 29-year-old midfielder becoming the most popular new addition ahead of Gameweek 4 in the 2025/26 Premier League season. Priced at £3.4m, Grealish has quickly reestablished himself as a fan favorite at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, amassing an impressive 30 points across the first three gameweeks. His four assists in just 197 minutes of play, coupled with a 90% pass accuracy and standout stats in fouls won, dribbles, and blocks, have made him a tantalizing pick. However, as the European competitions kick off and fixture schedules shift, managers who rushed to recruit Grealish for Gameweek 4 might find their timing slightly off, potentially missing out on maximizing his early-season brilliance.
Grealish’s resurgence at Everton has been nothing short of remarkable. After a challenging 2024/25 season at Manchester City, where he started only seven Premier League matches and struggled with injuries and a dip in form, his loan to Everton has reignited his spark. “It’s nothing personal with Jack,” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said last season, defending his decision to prioritize other players while affirming his belief in Grealish’s quality. Now, under David Moyes’ guidance at Everton, Grealish has rediscovered his flair, becoming a key creative force. His two assists in a 2-0 victory over Brighton showcased his ability to unlock defenses, setting up Iliman Ndiaye’s opener and James Garner’s strike. “I’m just happy to be playing regularly again,” Grealish said, reflecting on his newfound confidence. His stats—second in fouls won, seventh in successful dribbles, and third in blocks—underline his all-around impact, making him a Dream Team darling with a 30.8% ownership rate, trailing only Erling Haaland, João Pedro, and Mohamed Salah.
Yet, the timing of Grealish’s surge in popularity raises questions. Managers who selected him from the season’s outset or during August reaped the rewards of his early points haul. However, those jumping on the bandwagon for Gameweek 4 may face challenges due to the shifting dynamics of the Dream Team landscape. The start of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League means top clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace will play two matches in some gameweeks, offering their players double the opportunity to score points. Everton, absent from European competitions, will rely on domestic fixtures and the upcoming Carabao Cup to provide Grealish with chances to shine. “The good news is that while Everton is not participating in European competitions, the team will still play in the Carabao Cup, which will give them the chance for two games in the fifth round,” noted a Dream Team analyst, highlighting a potential boost. Still, Grealish’s maximum of four point-scoring opportunities over the next three gameweeks pales compared to players from European clubs.
The decision to recruit Grealish now requires careful consideration. His form is undeniable—only West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá (£3.7m) outranks him among midfielders—but Everton’s schedule could limit his immediate returns compared to players like Alexander Isak, recently transferred to Liverpool, or Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson, who benefit from favorable fixture runs. “Grealish looks like a player reborn at Everton, currently leading the league for assists,” praised Fantasy Premier League expert Utkarsh Dalmia, emphasizing his talismanic role. Yet, with tougher fixtures looming, including a Gameweek 5 clash against Liverpool, managers might regret not acting sooner. Fans on social media echoed this sentiment, with one noting, “Grealish was a steal for those who got him early, but now it’s a gamble with the European games starting.”
As the Premier League season intensifies, Grealish’s move to Everton signals a career revival, but Dream Team managers must weigh the risks of late recruitment. His electric start promises more points, but the congested European schedule could favor players from dual-fixture teams. For now, Grealish’s flair and Everton’s counterattacking style under Moyes make him a compelling asset, but those who hesitated until Gameweek 4 may need to strategize carefully to maximize their returns.
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