In a stunning turn of events, Jack Grealish, the former Manchester City star, has joined Everton on a season-long loan for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has emerged as the unsung hero behind this high-profile transfer. The Everton stalwart and Grealish’s long-time international teammate revealed his instrumental role in convincing his friend to make the move to Merseyside, a decision that could reshape Everton’s attacking fortunes and reignite Grealish’s World Cup ambitions. Pickford’s influence, coupled with a three-word text message, proved decisive in bringing the charismatic winger to the Toffees’ new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Pickford, Everton’s highest earner at £125,000 per week, has been a cornerstone of the club for eight years, enduring relegation battles and financial challenges. His loyalty and leadership have made him a beloved figure at Goodison Park, and his close friendship with Grealish, forged through years with the England national team, gave him unique leverage in the transfer talks. “I’m good friends with Jack. When the Everton rumors started, we had a few conversations,” Pickford shared. “I said he would like it here, it’s a proper home club, and I wrote: ‘Hurry up!’” That succinct message, sent during a FaceTime call while Grealish was on a golf course, encapsulated Pickford’s urgency and enthusiasm for the move. “Jack has charisma, and for Everton, it’s very important to sign such a player,” he added, highlighting the significance of Grealish’s arrival.
Grealish’s journey to Everton marks a new chapter in a career that has seen both dazzling highs and frustrating lows. After his £100 million transfer to Manchester City in 2021, Grealish played a key role in their 2023 Champions League triumph, but his form dipped in subsequent seasons. Limited to just 20 Premier League appearances in 2024/25, with only one assist—matching Pickford’s assist tally as a goalkeeper—Grealish faced criticism for his lack of goal contributions. Pep Guardiola’s decision to exclude him from the Club World Cup squad signaled the end of his time at City, prompting a loan move to revitalize his career. Everton, under manager David Moyes, offered the perfect opportunity for Grealish to rediscover his Aston Villa flair, where he thrived as a creative number 10.
The transfer, however, was not without complications. Grealish’s £300,000-a-week wages posed a significant hurdle, as Everton’s payroll, led by Pickford, couldn’t accommodate such a salary without risking dressing-room harmony. Negotiations required Grealish to accept a substantial pay cut, reportedly to around £150,000 per week, making him the club’s highest-paid player but still a compromise to align with Everton’s financial structure. “If Grealish were to earn more than our top players, it could cause disharmony,” an Everton insider noted, underscoring the delicate balance of the deal.
Grealish made his Everton debut on August 18, 2025, coming off the bench in the 71st minute against Leeds United at Elland Road. Though the Toffees lost the match, Grealish’s cameo hinted at his potential to breathe life into an attack that has struggled for creativity. “Jack has everything he needs to be the star man again,” said Moyes, who plans to deploy Grealish in a central attacking role, a departure from his left-wing position at City. The move to a less demanding schedule, free from Champions League commitments, could help Grealish regain the fitness and form that made him a household name at Aston Villa.
Pickford’s role extended beyond mere persuasion. His conversations with Grealish emphasized Everton’s passionate fanbase and the unique atmosphere at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which replaced Goodison Park as the club’s home. “I told him it’s a proper football club, a family,” Pickford said. “The fans will love his energy.” Grealish, known for his flair and off-field charisma, has already sparked excitement among supporters, who see him as a catalyst for a top-half finish in the Premier League.
As Grealish settles into his new role, Pickford’s influence remains a testament to the power of personal connections in football. The goalkeeper’s vision for Everton’s future is clear: emulate the ambition and unity of top Premier League clubs. “We can build something special here,” he said, echoing his belief in Grealish’s ability to “excel” in royal blue. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Grealish’s regular playing time at Everton could secure his England spot, a goal Pickford is determined to support. “He’s got the talent to light this place up,” Pickford enthused. As Everton prepares for their next challenge, the partnership between Pickford and Grealish promises to be a driving force in their quest for glory.
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