Jack Grealish, the charismatic 30-year-old midfielder, has reignited his career with a dazzling start at Everton, prompting the club to dream of securing a permanent transfer from Manchester City at a cut-price deal. Currently on a season-long loan at the Toffees’ new Hill Dickinson Stadium, Grealish has quickly become a fan favorite, sparking optimism that Everton can lock in the former Aston Villa star for the long haul. His electric performances and off-field charm have not only won over supporters but also set the stage for a high-stakes transfer saga in the summer of 2026.
Grealish’s loan move to Everton came after a challenging 2024/25 season at Manchester City, where injuries and limited game time under Pep Guardiola saw him make just seven Premier League starts. Left out of City’s Club World Cup squad, the England international sought regular minutes to revive his career and stake a claim for Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad. Everton, under the guidance of manager David Moyes, offered the perfect platform. “The accolade of getting player of the month is a big thing, this is a boy who didn’t get it when he was at Man City, didn’t get it when he was at Aston Villa,” Moyes said, praising Grealish’s immediate impact. The midfielder’s response was emphatic: four assists in his first two Premier League starts, including a pair against Brighton and another against Wolverhampton Wanderers, earning him the Premier League’s August Player of the Month award. “Jack was brilliant,” Moyes added, noting his ability to transform Everton’s attack alongside teammate Iliman Ndiaye.
Everton’s ambition to make Grealish’s move permanent is driven by his on-field heroics and the club’s newfound financial stability under the Friedkin Group, which has alleviated pressures from the Farhad Moshiri era. The loan agreement includes a £50 million option to buy, but Everton are hopeful of negotiating a lower fee, given that Grealish’s contract with Manchester City enters its final year in 2026. “I thought [Jack] was brilliant. Their ball carrying, their one-v-one situations, they’re making us look a much bigger threat than we were before,” Moyes said, underscoring Grealish’s value to the team. However, his £12 million-a-year salary poses a significant hurdle, with some suggesting a free transfer might be the most realistic path to keep him at Everton long-term.
Grealish’s impact extends beyond the pitch. His integration into the Everton squad has been seamless, earning praise for his work ethic and camaraderie at the training ground. A post-match moment where he gifted his shirt to a fan after a win at Wolves endeared him further to the Goodison faithful. His social media presence, with one Instagram post about Everton garnering 800k likes, has boosted the club’s visibility, potentially attracting TV coverage and commercial interest. “He’ll pay back his loan fee comfortably,” one supporter enthused, highlighting his marketability. Yet, challenges remain. Grealish’s history of injuries and his high wages could complicate negotiations, and Manchester City may still see value in his experience, especially if injuries hit their squad.
The Toffees’ early season success, with two wins from two matches, has fueled optimism about their ambitions in their new stadium. Grealish’s flair, reminiscent of his Aston Villa days, has Moyes believing there’s “much more to come.” A permanent deal would signal Everton’s intent to climb the Premier League table, but it hinges on Grealish maintaining his form and the club navigating financial constraints. As the 2025/26 season unfolds, all eyes are on Grealish to continue his resurgence and on Everton to secure their star loanee for a bargain. The stage is set for a transfer battle that could redefine the club’s future.
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