In a transfer that has sent ripples through the Premier League, Jack Grealish, the charismatic winger who once commanded a British-record £100m fee, has embarked on a new chapter with Everton. The 29-year-old, sidelined at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, finalized a season-long loan move to the Toffees on August 12, 2025, with an option for a permanent £50m transfer next summer. The deal, completed just days before Everton’s Premier League opener against Leeds United on August 18, marks a pivotal moment for Grealish, who is determined to rediscover the dazzling form that made him a household name at Aston Villa. With the 2026 World Cup looming, this move could be the key to reigniting his career and reclaiming his spot in England’s squad.
Grealish’s journey to Everton comes after a challenging two years at Manchester City, where his role diminished significantly. Despite playing a central part in City’s 2022-23 Treble, starting every Champions League knockout match and the FA Cup final, Grealish managed only seven Premier League starts last season. Omitted from City’s Club World Cup squad and left on the bench for their FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, he faced a stark reality: his place in Guardiola’s plans had evaporated. “Do I want the Jack that won the Treble? Yeah, I want it, but I try to be honest with myself,” Guardiola said in January, signaling that Grealish needed to fight for his future. The winger’s limited 21% of available league minutes in 2024-25, coupled with just one goal and one assist, underscored his struggle to break through a crowded forward line featuring Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Savinho.
Everton’s manager, David Moyes, saw an opportunity to harness Grealish’s untapped 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, emphasizing his belief that Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium could be the stage for Grealish to shine. Moyes, a long-time admirer, envisions deploying Grealish as a No. 10 rather than his traditional left-wing role, given the presence of Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil on the flank. “For Grealish, he’s been at Man City where teams double up on him, leaving no space,” a pundit noted. “At Everton, he’ll have space, be one vs one, and attack players, committing them like he did at Villa.”
Grealish’s enthusiasm for the move was palpable. “It’s massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans,” he told evertontv after passing his medical on Monday. “As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go. On social media, I’ve been flooded with messages from Everton supporters, so that’s another reason why I chose Everton.” His decision to wear the No. 18 shirt carries personal significance, a nod to his idols Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, who donned the same number at Everton. “I spoke to Wayne before I came here and mentioned the number 18—so I hope he’s happy as well!” Grealish added with a smile, revealing a conversation that cemented his choice.
The move wasn’t without hurdles. Grealish’s £300,000-a-week wages posed a financial challenge, with Everton covering over £12m in fees and a portion of his salary, a sacrifice the player himself facilitated to make the deal happen. Interest from Napoli and Atlético Madrid surfaced earlier in the summer, but Grealish prioritized staying in the Premier League to boost his chances with England, where he’s earned 39 caps but was heartbreakingly left out of the 2024 European Championship squad. “It made a real difference to his confidence,” those close to him noted, underscoring the emotional toll of his exclusion. With Thomas Tuchel now at the helm, Grealish sees regular minutes at Everton as his path back to the Three Lions for the 2026 World Cup.
For Everton, the signing is a coup amidst a frustrating transfer window. After failed bids for Aston Villa’s John McGinn and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, Grealish’s arrival adds flair to a squad needing creativity. Moyes’ 4-2-3-1 formation, used in 11 of 19 matches last season, could see Grealish thrive centrally, though it may force Ndiaye or McNeil to adapt. As Everton prepare for their first season at their new stadium, Grealish’s move signals ambition. “We’re going to see the Grealish from his Aston Villa days,” one analyst predicted, envisioning the free-spirited maverick who once captivated fans. With a debut looming on Monday Night Football, Grealish’s journey to redemption has begun, and the Premier League is watching closely.
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