Jack Grealish, the flamboyant Manchester City star, stands at a pivotal moment in his career, with Everton emerging as the frontrunner to secure his signature in a dramatic Premier League transfer. The 29-year-old, whose £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021 made him Britain’s most expensive footballer, has reportedly been told to accept a significant pay cut to join the Toffees on a season-long loan. As negotiations intensify, Grealish’s hunger to revive his career and reclaim his England spot has him ready to “make it happen,” according to those close to the player. “He’s keen to move and relaunch his career with a club where he’ll be a focal point,” a source revealed, highlighting his determination to rediscover the form that once dazzled the football world.
Grealish’s time at Manchester City has been a tale of highs and lows. His pivotal role in City’s 2022-23 treble—securing the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup—cemented his status as a key cog in Pep Guardiola’s machine. However, the past two seasons have been marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, limiting him to just 17 Premier League starts. His exclusion from City’s squad for the final match against Fulham and the upcoming Club World Cup underscored a shift in priorities at the Etihad. “It’s nothing personal with Jack,” Guardiola insisted. “I’m the person who fought for him to come here and to stay this season and the next.” Yet, with new signings like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki bolstering City’s midfield, Grealish’s £300,000-a-week contract has become a financial hurdle, prompting talks of a loan move.
Everton, revitalized under David Moyes and backed by ambitious new owners The Friedkin Group, see Grealish as the spark to ignite their attack. The Toffees, who finished 13th last season after a relegation scare, are desperate for creativity, having scored the fourth-fewest goals in the 2024-25 Premier League. Moyes, who once hailed Grealish as “probably the best player in the Premier League” during his Villa days, believes he can unlock the winger’s potential. “Everton are not put off by his wages and are willing to cover most of his salary,” a club insider noted, though negotiations hinge on City subsidizing a portion of the £12 million annual cost. The prospect of regular minutes at Goodison Park, in its final season before the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium, has Grealish excited. “He wants to play week in, week out,” the insider added. “This is his chance to shine.”
The move carries high stakes for Grealish’s international ambitions. Excluded from England’s Euro 2024 squad and yet to earn a recall under Thomas Tuchel, he’s driven to prove his worth ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel praised Grealish’s character, saying, “Jack gets better and better the more minutes he plays. He has the character to be the glue in a team, it is easy for youngsters to attach to him.” A successful stint at Everton, where he could thrive without the tactical constraints of Guardiola’s system, could be the key to rekindling his England career.
Other clubs, including Tottenham and Newcastle, have shown interest, but Everton’s promise of a starring role gives them the edge. Tottenham’s focus on younger players and Newcastle’s tight financial constraints under profit and sustainability rules make Everton the most viable destination. A potential swap deal with West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta has also been floated, but Everton’s persistence has put them in pole position. “Further conversations have taken place to establish the parameters,” sources close to the deal confirmed, with a late-window agreement likely.
Grealish’s journey, from Villa Park hero to City’s treble winner, now teeters on this bold leap. His flair, dribbling, and leadership—evident in his 157 appearances for City—could transform Everton’s fortunes. As he balances fatherhood with his partner Sasha Attwood and his professional ambitions, Grealish’s decision to embrace a pay cut signals a player ready to fight for his legacy. “Make it happen,” his camp urges, and with Everton’s vision aligning with his hunger, this move could mark a thrilling new chapter for one of football’s most captivating talents.
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