In a stunning development that has sent ripples through the Premier League, Everton have opened talks with Manchester City to secure a season-long loan for Jack Grealish, the 29-year-old England international whose star has dimmed at the Etihad Stadium. The Toffees, under the stewardship of manager David Moyes, are pushing to bolster their attacking options with a marquee signing, and Grealish, a £100 million talent with a flair for creativity, could be the key to unlocking a new era at Goodison Park. However, the deal is far from straightforward, with financial complexities and competition from other clubs threatening to derail what could be one of the most high-profile loan moves in recent Premier League history.
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 played a pivotal role in City’s 2022-23 treble-winning campaign, starting every knockout match en route to their first Champions League title. His infectious personality and on-field dynamism made him a fan favorite, but the past two seasons have seen his role diminish. Injuries, inconsistent form, and fierce competition from players like Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and new signing Rayan Cherki have limited Grealish to just seven Premier League starts in the 2024-25 season. He was an unused substitute in City’s FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace and was omitted from the squad for their final match against Fulham, a decision manager Pep Guardiola described as “nothing personal.” “I’m the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season and the next season,” Guardiola said, underscoring his belief in Grealish’s talent despite his reduced minutes.
Everton’s interest in Grealish, which resurfaced after a collapsed deal for Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, reflects Moyes’ admiration for the winger’s attacking prowess. The Toffees see Grealish, who can also play as a No. 10, as a transformative figure capable of injecting creativity into their squad. Moyes, a long-time admirer, believes regular playing time at Everton could help Grealish rediscover the form that made him a household name at Villa. The move also aligns with Grealish’s personal preferences, as he has reportedly turned down interest from clubs abroad, including Serie A’s Napoli, in favor of staying in the Premier League, particularly in the north of England. “Jack gets better and better the more minutes he plays,” England head coach Thomas Tuchel noted, emphasizing the importance of regular football for Grealish to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad.
The financial hurdles, however, are significant. Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages pose a major challenge for Everton, whose highest earner, Jordan Pickford, commands less than half that amount. Manchester City are open to a loan but insist that any borrowing club cover the entirety of Grealish’s salary, a condition that could strain Everton’s budget under the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. Discussions are still in their early stages, with Everton exploring a deal potentially valued at £10-12 million, possibly with City subsidizing a portion of the wages. “Of course Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days,” Guardiola said, signaling City’s willingness to facilitate a move if the right terms are met.
The prospect of Grealish donning Everton’s blue jersey has sparked excitement among fans, who see the move as a statement of intent from the club’s new ownership under the Friedkin Group. The allure of playing at Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium and the promise of a starring role could be the catalyst Grealish needs to reignite his career. His recent work with a personal trainer to ensure peak physical condition underscores his determination to return to his best. Yet, Everton face competition from other Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, who have also been linked with the winger following an injury to their star midfielder James Maddison.
As the transfer window nears its close, the coming weeks will be crucial. For Grealish, a move to Everton could offer a fresh start and a chance to prove his doubters wrong. For the Toffees, landing a player of his caliber would signal ambition and set the tone for a transformative season. The deal remains “complicated,” with no guarantees of success, but the possibility of seeing Grealish weave his magic on Merseyside is a tantalizing prospect for football fans everywhere.
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