As the summer transfer window enters its final weeks, Everton are making waves with their audacious pursuit of Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, the £100 million star whose flair and creativity could transform the Toffees’ attack. The 29-year-old England international, who has struggled for consistent minutes under Pep Guardiola, is reportedly the subject of intensified talks, with Everton aiming for a loan deal to bring the former Aston Villa captain to Merseyside. Under the stewardship of manager David Moyes and new ownership at the Friedkin Group, this potential move underscores Everton’s ambition to make a statement as they prepare to relocate to the state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2025.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City has been a tale of brilliance tempered by frustration. Since his record-breaking transfer from Villa in 2021, he’s won four Premier League titles, a Champions League, and a continental treble in 2022-23, where he played a pivotal role in 50 matches. However, his 2024-25 season has been lackluster, with just seven Premier League starts, one goal, and one assist across 32 appearances. His omission from City’s Club World Cup squad in the United States sent a clear message: Grealish is no longer central to Guardiola’s plans. “He had a conversation with the club and they decided it was best,” Guardiola said, acknowledging the mutual agreement for Grealish to seek a fresh start. “Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason why he didn’t play last season is of course my decisions.”
Everton see an opportunity to capitalize on Grealish’s situation, with Moyes, a longtime admirer, eager to build his team around the versatile attacker. “He is a really good player and probably the best player in the Premier League at this time,” Moyes said in 2021 when Grealish was at Villa, a sentiment that fuels his current pursuit. Everton’s interest, initially reported in late July, centers on a “deluxe” loan deal, as City prefer a permanent £40-50 million sale, a price complicated by Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages. The Toffees believe they hold an edge over rivals like West Ham, Tottenham, and Napoli, given Grealish’s desire to remain in northwest England for family stability after welcoming his daughter with partner Sasha Attwood in September 2024. “Everton feel they have a chance due to the player’s anticipated willingness to stay in the north,” noted a source close to the negotiations.
The move aligns with Everton’s broader strategy to bolster their attacking options. Moyes, who returned to Everton in 2024, is keen to inject creativity into a squad that struggled for goals last season, finishing 15th in the Premier League. Grealish’s ability to dribble under pressure, create chances, and operate as a winger or No. 10 makes him an ideal fit for Moyes’ counter-attacking system. “The bigger, the better for Jack and that’s what England need – players that can handle the football,” said Dean Smith, Grealish’s former Villa coach, highlighting his knack for thriving in high-stakes moments. A loan to Everton could offer Grealish the regular minutes needed to revive his England career, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, where he aims to secure a spot under Thomas Tuchel.
Despite initial momentum, recent reports suggest Everton have cooled their pursuit due to financial constraints, with City’s insistence on a permanent transfer and Grealish’s hefty wages posing challenges. However, the Toffees remain in talks, exploring a loan arrangement where City might subsidize a portion of his salary. Everton’s new ownership is eager to signal ambition, and landing Grealish would be a marquee coup, especially as they prepare for their stadium move. Interest from Napoli, now led by Antonio Conte, and London clubs like Tottenham and West Ham adds competition, but Grealish’s preference to stay in Cheshire gives Everton hope. The club is also negotiating with Lyon for 20-year-old Belgian winger Malick Fofana, indicating a broader push to refresh their attack.
Grealish’s emotional connection to City remains strong—he was seen pledging his love to fans at an Oasis concert in Manchester, saying, “I love City more than anything. And do you know what I love more than anything? City fans! They’re the best fans in the world!” Yet, his desire for consistent football and a return to the England squad outweighs sentimentality. As Everton navigate Profit and Sustainability Rules, a loan deal for Grealish could be a transformative step, heralding a new era at Hill Dickinson Stadium with a player whose flair could light up Merseyside.
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