Jack Grealish, the charismatic England winger, has embarked on a fresh journey with Everton, securing a season-long loan from Manchester City in a move finalized on August 12, 2025. The 29-year-old, who once dazzled as City’s £100 million record signing, saw his coveted No. 10 shirt swiftly reassigned to summer acquisition Rayan Cherki, despite Grealish remaining on City’s books. This bold transition underscores a pivotal moment for Grealish, who aims to reignite his career at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium while fighting to reclaim his spot in the England national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Grealish’s move to Everton follows a challenging spell at Manchester City, where his role diminished significantly. Last season, he managed just seven Premier League starts, a stark contrast to his talismanic days at Aston Villa, where he was the heartbeat of the team. His exclusion from City’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States and the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace signaled the end of his prominence under Pep Guardiola. “It’s nothing personal with Jack,” Guardiola insisted after leaving Grealish out of the final matchday squad at Fulham, emphasizing his affection for the player. “I’m the person who fought for him to come here and to stay here this season and the next season. I’m the one who said: ‘I want Jack Grealish.’” Yet, with City’s squad evolving and new signings like Tijjani Reijnders and Cherki joining the ranks, Grealish’s opportunities dwindled, paving the way for his loan exit.
At Everton, Grealish is embracing the chance to rediscover his flair. “I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton—it’s massive for me, honestly,” he said, his enthusiasm palpable. “This is a great club, with great fans. As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go.” His conversations with Everton boss David Moyes proved decisive, with Moyes praising Grealish’s Premier League experience and potential. “I think we’re getting him at a good time because he’s experienced, he understands the Premier League, and we’re all fully aware of the levels he’s capable of performing to,” Moyes said. Grealish, who will don the No. 18 shirt to honor his favorite players, is eager to make an impact, potentially debuting in Everton’s Premier League opener against Leeds on August 18.
The reassignment of Grealish’s No. 10 shirt to Cherki, a £31 million signing from Lyon, was a swift and symbolic move by City. Cherki, who wore No. 29 during the Club World Cup, expressed his excitement: “I am very happy to play with the No. 10. I can’t wait to play in the Etihad and come on City.” The 22-year-old Frenchman’s dynamic playstyle aligns with City’s attacking ethos, filling the creative void left by Grealish’s departure. While City retain an option to recall Grealish or make his move permanent for £50 million next summer, the shirt change signals their intent to move forward without him.
Grealish’s career trajectory has been anything but linear. After shining at Aston Villa, where he captained the side to Premier League promotion, his £100 million transfer to City in 2021 made him Britain’s most expensive player. His role in City’s 2023 treble-winning campaign—securing the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup—cemented his legacy, but injuries and inconsistent form saw him relegated to the bench. “Adapting to the club’s style of play was much more difficult than I imagined,” Grealish admitted, reflecting on his City tenure. His exclusion from England’s Euro 2024 squad was a low point, with Grealish describing it as “the hardest moment of my career.” Now, under Moyes’ guidance, he aims to recapture the form that made him a fan favorite, with England manager Thomas Tuchel emphasizing the need for regular minutes: “He’s a very unique player who can handle big pressure on the field. He grows in big matches, but he needs minutes and minutes and minutes.”
Everton’s ambitious summer, with signings like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Charly Alcaraz, reflects their intent to compete at their new stadium. Grealish’s arrival as their sixth signing adds flair and experience, though Moyes’ demand for defensive work may challenge his free-spirited style. “We’re all looking forward to working with him and providing a platform for him to show the best version of himself,” Moyes said, highlighting the club’s belief in Grealish’s potential. Off the pitch, Grealish’s down-to-earth charm has already won over Everton fans, who flooded his social media with support. “I want to say thank you to the fans for all of the messages I’ve had already,” he said, ready to embrace the passionate Merseyside faithful.
As Grealish prepares to face his former club Aston Villa in September, just days after his 30th birthday, the match will carry emotional weight. His journey—from Villa’s academy to City’s treble to Everton’s new dawn—reflects a career at a crossroads. With the World Cup looming, Grealish’s loan spell could redefine his legacy, proving that the maverick who once lit up Villa Park still has plenty to offer.
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