As the summer transfer window heats up, Everton are poised to make a seismic statement under their new ownership, The Friedkin Group, by targeting Manchester City’s out-of-favour star Jack Grealish. The Toffees, led by manager David Moyes, are preparing to open talks with the Premier League champions for a loan deal that could see the 29-year-old England international don the royal blue at their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium next season. However, Everton’s ambitious pursuit faces stiff competition from Newcastle United and Aston Villa, Grealish’s boyhood club, threatening to derail what could be a marquee signing for the Merseyside outfit.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City has been a rollercoaster since his £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021, a British-record transfer at the time. He played a pivotal role in City’s 2022-23 treble, including their first Champions League triumph, dazzling fans with his flair and earning a penalty conversion in an 8-0 FA Cup rout of Salford City this season. Yet, his 2024-25 campaign has been marked by frustration, with just seven Premier League starts and 1,520 minutes played, a stark contrast to his 82% game participation during the treble year. “It’s not personal,” Pep Guardiola said after benching Grealish for City’s 2-0 win over Fulham in their final league match. “I fought for Jack to come here, and I fought for him to stay. He’s an unbelievable player who needs to play every three days.” City’s openness to a loan, coupled with Grealish’s exclusion from their Club World Cup squad, signals the end of his Etihad chapter.
Everton see Grealish as a transformative addition to their attack, which Moyes has prioritized alongside a new right-winger and striker. The Friedkin Group’s backing underscores their intent to elevate Everton’s profile as they transition to their state-of-the-art waterfront stadium. “He is a really good player and probably the best player in the Premier League at this time,” Moyes said of Grealish in 2021, a sentiment that fuels his determination to secure the winger’s signature. A loan deal is the only feasible option due to Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages, with Everton negotiating for City to cover a significant portion and demanding a sizeable loan fee. The financial gymnastics required reflect the club’s cautious approach under Premier League profit and sustainability rules, which previously saw them docked two points in 2023-24 for a £16.6 million breach.
Newcastle and Aston Villa, however, loom as formidable rivals. Newcastle, seeking to bolster their attacking options, have held internal discussions about a loan for Grealish, viewing him as a creative spark for their Champions League aspirations. Villa, where Grealish’s 16 goal contributions in 2020-21 cemented his status as a Premier League star, offer a romantic homecoming, though their lack of European football could be a deterrent. “Grealish could be signed on loan to replace Marcus Rashford on the left-wing,” an insider noted, referencing Villa’s option to sign Rashford permanently from Manchester United for £40 million, adding complexity to their plans. Napoli, under Antonio Conte, also lurk, targeting Grealish as an alternative to Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, but England boss Thomas Tuchel’s preference for players in European competitions may sway Grealish toward a Premier League stay.
Moyes’ track record of reviving talent, exemplified by Iliman Ndiaye’s resurgence after stagnating under Sean Dyche, bodes well for Grealish. At City, Guardiola’s system confined Grealish to a disciplined wing role, limiting his natural flair. “He’s a mannequin on the wing, just told to keep the shape,” former City goalkeeper Shay Given critiqued, suggesting Grealish could thrive in a freer role at Everton. With 12 months to prove himself for England’s 2026 World Cup squad, Grealish’s need for regular minutes aligns with Everton’s promise of a starring role. Staying in northwest England would also avoid uprooting his family, who welcomed their first child in September 2024.
Everton’s transfer strategy reflects a blend of ambition and pragmatism. Recent signings like Iliman Ndiaye (£15 million from Marseille) and Jake O’Brien (£16 million from Lyon), alongside the £50 million sale of Amadou Onana to Villa, showcase their sustainable recruitment. Grealish’s potential arrival would be a coup, signaling Everton’s intent to compete higher up the table. As talks with City progress, the Toffees must navigate the financial and competitive hurdles posed by Newcastle and Villa. For Grealish, the move offers a chance to rediscover his spark, proving he remains one of England’s brightest talents.
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