Jack Grealish, the 29-year-old Manchester City midfielder, stands at a crossroads in his illustrious career. Once celebrated as England’s £100 million man after his 2021 transfer from Aston Villa, Grealish has seen his role diminish at the Etihad Stadium, starting just 16 matches across all competitions in the 2024-25 season. With his contract running until 2027 and a looming World Cup in 2026, the former Aston Villa captain is reportedly ready to seek a fresh start. Among the clubs vying for his signature, including Newcastle United, Napoli, and Saudi outfits, Grealish has reportedly set his sights on Everton, drawn by the allure of their new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium and the promise of a starring role.
Grealish’s time at Manchester City has been a mix of triumph and frustration. His pivotal contributions during the 2022-23 Treble-winning season, including playing every minute of the Champions League final, showcased his flair and charisma. However, injuries and the emergence of players like Jeremy Doku and Savinho have relegated him to a bit-part role. Pep Guardiola’s decision to exclude him from the Club World Cup squad in June 2025 was a stark signal of his fading status. “Jack is an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. And it didn’t happen this season, and last season neither,” Guardiola said, hinting at an inevitable parting. He added, “It’s nothing personal with Jack. I’m the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season,” underscoring the complex dynamics of Grealish’s tenure.
Everton has emerged as Grealish’s preferred destination, with the midfielder reportedly “excited” by the prospect of joining the Toffees. The move would see him return to a starring role, a stark contrast to his bench-warming days at City. “The glamour of the club’s new stadium and the possibility of a regular starting role is attractive to the former Aston Villa star, who does not just want to be a squad player at a Champions League club,” insiders revealed. Everton’s ambitious vision, bolstered by their state-of-the-art waterfront stadium set to open in 2025, aligns with Grealish’s desire to be the centerpiece of a team. His £350,000-a-week wages pose a challenge, but a loan deal, with City potentially subsidizing a portion, could make the transfer feasible.
Newcastle United, despite their Champions League qualification, appears to have been snubbed. Grealish’s camp has indicated a preference for Everton over the Magpies and foreign clubs like Napoli, where Antonio Conte is an admirer. Newcastle’s interest, fueled by their need for a high-profile winger amid speculation about Anthony Gordon’s future, is tempered by financial constraints and a squad already boasting Harvey Barnes and Gordon in Grealish’s preferred left-wing role. “I think Jack’s best position is coming off the left. That’s where we saw the best of him at Aston Villa,” said Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, who dismissed the fit, noting, “They’ve got Barnes and Gordon for that side, so I’d be surprised if Newcastle were in for him.”
Grealish’s openness to a Premier League move reflects his hunger to reclaim his form and secure a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, especially after being overlooked by manager Thomas Tuchel. “Last year was probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and off the pitch,” Grealish admitted after an FA Cup win, highlighting his struggles with limited game time and personal challenges, including the birth of his daughter. A move to Everton could offer the regular minutes he craves, allowing him to rediscover the swagger that made him a fan favorite at Villa, where he captained the side to promotion in 2019.
The prospect of Grealish donning Everton’s blue is not without hurdles. His high wages and City’s preference for a permanent transfer over a loan complicate negotiations. Yet, the midfielder’s determination to avoid being a “squad player” at a Champions League club suggests he’s ready to embrace a new challenge. As the summer transfer window approaches, Grealish’s potential move to Everton could mark a pivotal chapter, offering a chance to reignite his career under Sean Dyche’s pragmatic leadership and in front of passionate Toffees fans at their gleaming new home.
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