As the summer transfer window heats up, Jack Grealish, the 29-year-old Manchester City star, stands at a pivotal moment in his career. Once hailed as the £100 million talisman who helped City clinch a historic treble in 2022-23, Grealish has seen his role diminish, with only seven Premier League starts last season and an exclusion from the club’s FIFA Club World Cup squad. Now, with Pep Guardiola openly acknowledging that a move might be best, Grealish’s future is the subject of intense speculation. “Of course, Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days,” Guardiola said, reflecting on Grealish’s limited minutes. “It didn’t happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it, with us or another place.” Among the suitors, Everton emerges as the ideal destination, offering a fresh start where Grealish’s flair could reignite his career and captivate a fanbase craving a new hero.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City has been a tale of highs and lows. Signed from Aston Villa in 2021 for a British record fee, he was celebrated for his maverick style, dribbling wizardry, and ability to shift momentum. His role in the treble-winning season, including a standout performance in the Champions League final, showcased his potential. Yet, recent seasons have seen him relegated to a “rest station” role, as teammates described, tasked with holding possession or winning fouls rather than unleashing his creative spark. “I love City more than anything! And do you know what I love more than anything? City fans!” Grealish declared at an Oasis concert in July 2025, his passion for the club undeniable. But with new signings like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki crowding City’s attack, his opportunities have dwindled, prompting a mutual agreement with the club that a move is necessary.
Everton stands out as the perfect landing spot. The Toffees are preparing for a transformative season at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue on the Mersey that promises a vibrant atmosphere. Under David Moyes, who has lifted the club’s spirits with a positive brand of football, Everton offers Grealish the chance to be a centerpiece of their attack. “It’s said the ‘glamour’ of their new stadium and the possibility of a regular starting role is attractive to Grealish, who does not just want to be a squad player,” a source close to the player revealed. Moyes, known for rejuvenating players like Joelinton at Newcastle, could unlock Grealish’s potential, allowing him to rediscover the flair that made him a star at Villa. The fanbase, known for embracing charismatic figures, would likely adore Grealish’s “Jack the lad” persona, especially after his heartfelt connection with supporters.
Other clubs, including Tottenham, Newcastle, and Napoli, have been linked, but Everton’s appeal is unmatched. Tottenham’s attacking depth and Champions League commitments might limit Grealish to a rotational role, while Newcastle’s crowded midfield and Napoli’s financial constraints—compounded by their pursuit of Kevin De Bruyne—make deals challenging. A return to Aston Villa, Grealish’s boyhood club, is emotionally appealing but financially unfeasible due to their wage structure. “Grealish’s relationship with the Villa fans has deteriorated since his big-money departure, but his affection for his boyhood club is well-known,” noted one insider, highlighting the complexities of a potential homecoming. West Ham and Nottingham Forest have also inquired, but Everton’s vision aligns best with Grealish’s need for consistent minutes.
Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages and City’s £40-50 million valuation pose hurdles, but a loan move, with City potentially subsidizing his salary, could pave the way. “It’s a question for Jack, his agent, and the club,” Guardiola said, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the decision. Grealish’s exclusion from England’s Euro 2024 squad, which he called “the most difficult thing I have had to deal with in my career,” underscores his urgency to play regularly to impress England manager Thomas Tuchel. “He’s a unique player, but he needs minutes and minutes and minutes,” Tuchel noted, echoing the sentiment that Grealish’s talent is wasted on the bench.
As Grealish trains with City’s first team, his commitment to fitness—working with personal trainer Jamie Reynolds—signals his readiness for a new challenge. Everton’s ambitious project, backed by new owners The Friedkin Group, offers a stage where Grealish could rediscover his spark, much like he did at Villa, where he captained the side to promotion in 2019. Fans on X are abuzz, with one post calling Everton “the perfect fit for Jack to shine again.” As the September 1 deadline looms, Grealish’s next move could redefine his legacy, and Everton’s new era beckons as the ideal place to start.
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