In a move that has sent ripples through the Premier League, Everton are aggressively pursuing a loan deal for Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, aiming to secure the services of the 29-year-old England international as they prepare for a transformative season at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Toffees, under the stewardship of manager David Moyes and backed by the ambitious Friedkin Group, see Grealish as a marquee signing to bolster their attacking ranks and signal their intent to compete at a higher level. With Grealish struggling for minutes at the Etihad, Everton’s audacious bid could offer the former Aston Villa star a chance to rediscover his spark and reignite his career ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Grealish’s tenure at Manchester City has been a tale of unfulfilled potential since his £100 million transfer from Villa in 2021, a British record at the time. Despite contributing to a Premier League title and a continental treble, his output has waned, with just three goals and five assists in 32 appearances last season. Excluded from City’s Club World Cup squad and often relegated to substitute roles under Pep Guardiola, Grealish is at a crossroads. “I love City more than anything,” Grealish declared at an Oasis concert in Manchester’s Heaton Park earlier this summer, pledging his affection for the club and its fans. “And do you know what I love more than anything? City fans! They’re the best fans in the world!” Yet, with his contract running until 2027 and a reported £300,000-a-week salary, a move—likely a loan—appears inevitable as City look to recoup value without significant financial loss.
Everton’s interest is strategic, capitalizing on Grealish’s desire to remain in northwest England, where he recently welcomed a daughter with partner Sasha Attwood. Staying in Cheshire would provide stability, a factor Everton believe gives them an edge over rivals like West Ham, Tottenham, and Serie A champions Napoli. Moyes, a long-time admirer, previously hailed Grealish as “probably the best player in the Premier League” during his Villa days in 2021. The Scotsman envisions Grealish as a central figure in his squad, offering the creative freedom the winger lacked under Guardiola’s tactical constraints. “He is a really good player,” Moyes said, a sentiment that underscores his plan to build Everton’s attack around Grealish’s flair and playmaking ability.
The Toffees’ pursuit comes at a pivotal moment. After a lackluster 2024-25 campaign, where they scored a mere 42 goals—the lowest among non-relegated Premier League teams—Everton are desperate for attacking reinforcements. Their defensive solidity, conceding just 44 goals, matched top clubs like Manchester City, but their lack of firepower hindered a higher finish. Grealish, known for drawing fouls and creating dangerous set-piece opportunities, could address this deficiency. His 17 goals and 23 assists for City, combined with 32 goals and 43 assists in 213 games for Villa, highlight his potential to transform Everton’s fortunes. The Friedkin Group’s recent takeover has injected financial optimism, though a permanent deal for Grealish remains unlikely due to his hefty wages and City’s preference for a £40-60 million transfer. A “premium” loan, with City potentially subsidizing a portion of his salary, is the more feasible path.
Everton face stiff competition. West Ham have made informal inquiries, seeking a replacement for Mohammed Kudus, while Napoli, under Antonio Conte, view Grealish as a solution to their wing needs after losing Samuel Ndoye. Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle have also been linked, with the latter eyeing him as a versatile option despite prioritizing right-sided attackers like Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga. Grealish’s ambition to secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup adds urgency to his decision. Tuchel has expressed admiration but warned that consistent playing time is non-negotiable, a promise Everton can deliver with a guaranteed starting role.
The Toffees’ transfer strategy extends beyond Grealish. They are in talks with Lyon for 20-year-old Belgian star Malick Fofana, though his £40 million price tag poses a challenge. Recent signings, including Thierno Barry, Mark Travers, and Bayern Munich’s Adam Aznou, reflect Moyes’ intent to overhaul the squad, but the pursuit of Grealish is the headline act. “Everton are looking to firm up Grealish interest to take him on loan,” a source close to the negotiations revealed, noting that discussions with City are ongoing. The deal’s complexity hinges on City’s willingness to accept a temporary move over a permanent sale, with negotiations likely to intensify as the transfer window nears its close.
As Everton prepare for their first pre-season friendly against Accrington Stanley, Moyes is under pressure to integrate new faces swiftly. Grealish’s potential arrival would be a statement of intent, aligning with the club’s move to the state-of-the-art Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. For Grealish, it’s a chance to shed the “flop” label, rediscover the form that made him a £100 million man, and inspire a new era on Merseyside. With the Premier League season looming, all eyes are on whether Everton can pull off this audacious coup and give their fans a reason to dream big.
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