Jack Grealish, the charismatic new Everton star, has wasted no time embracing his fresh start on Merseyside, both on and off the pitch. After sealing a season-long loan move from Manchester City, the 29-year-old winger marked his scintillating early performances with a seven-hour pub crawl in Stockholm, Sweden, during the international break. The unexpected escapade at The Auld Dub, an Irish pub in the heart of the Swedish capital, left fans stunned and sparked a wave of chatter among football enthusiasts. Grealish’s lively celebration, coupled with his stellar form, signals a player rediscovering his passion for the game and determined to make his mark at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Grealish’s move to Everton has been nothing short of transformative. After struggling for consistent minutes under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, where he started just one Premier League match in the 2024/25 season, the former Aston Villa captain sought a new challenge. Everton, under the guidance of manager David Moyes, offered the perfect stage. “I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton – it’s massive for me, honestly,” Grealish said after joining the Toffees. His impact was immediate, delivering four assists in just two Premier League matches, including two in a 2-0 victory over Brighton and two more in a thrilling 3-2 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Moyes, a long-time admirer, praised Grealish’s influence, saying, “The biggest compliment I can say about Jack is that he’s even better than I thought he was. He’s making a big difference.”
With England’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia looming, Grealish found himself excluded from Thomas Tuchel’s squad, freeing him to take a well-earned break. Opting for a trip to Stockholm, he and a group of friends descended on The Auld Dub, where they spent from 4 p.m. until closing time around 11 p.m. The pub’s atmosphere, steeped in Irish charm, resonated with Grealish, whose grandparents are of Irish descent. Mattias Mete, a former footballer working at the bar, recounted the surprise visit: “It was a bit shocking to see him come in. You saw him play on Saturday, and then all of a sudden he appeared here out of nowhere.” Grealish and his entourage settled in to watch Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal, enjoying food, drinks, and the pub’s lively vibe. “They took it easy, and enjoyed the evening,” Mete added, noting Grealish’s relaxed demeanor and even snapping a photo with the star.
The Stockholm adventure wasn’t without controversy. Grealish’s reputation as a “party boy,” earned through past high-profile nights out, resurfaced in discussions. His three-day bender after Manchester City’s 2024 Premier League title and incidents like inhaling nitrous oxide during his Aston Villa days have long fueled debates about his off-field antics. Yet, Everton fans have embraced his flair, chanting “Super Jack” as he’s racked up assists and dazzled with his dribbling. In the Wolves match, he completed five dribbles, won 13 of 17 ground duels, and was fouled seven times, showcasing the dynamic play that made him a £100 million signing for City in 2021. “For me, I wanted to come here and the main thing was to enjoy football,” Grealish told beIN Sports, hinting at a subtle jab at Guardiola’s rotation policy in a now-deleted social media post: “Feels so good to finally play three games in a row.”
As Everton prepare to face Grealish’s former club, Aston Villa, on September 13, the emotional stakes are high. The match offers Grealish a chance to prove himself against the team where he rose to stardom, having joined their academy at age six. Moyes believes Grealish’s hunger will drive Everton’s ambitions for a top-six finish. “He probably needs a bit of love and attention,” Moyes said. “He’s so good. What Jack gives us is something just on the edge, which, hopefully, is on the edge of creativeness.” Fans, too, have rallied behind him, with one posting on social media, “Thanks Everton, for trusting him and giving him the opportunity he truly deserves.”
Grealish’s Swedish sojourn, while raising eyebrows, reflects a player relishing his renaissance. With a World Cup on the horizon, he’s determined to reclaim his England spot and continue thrilling Evertonians. As he balances his larger-than-life personality with on-pitch brilliance, Grealish is proving that his move to Merseyside might just be the perfect recipe for redemption.
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