Jack Grealish, the dynamic England winger, has sent shockwaves through the football world with his season-long loan move from Manchester City to Everton, finalized on August 12, 2025. The 29-year-old’s heartfelt social media message to Everton fans, brimming with excitement for his new chapter, has drawn an outpouring of support from teammates and rivals alike, amassing reactions from Premier League stars across Manchester City and Everton. His Instagram post, proclaiming, “Ready and excited for a new challenge on Merseyside! Can’t wait to meet the fans and play in our incredible new stadium! Let’s make it special!” resonated deeply, sparking likes and comments from the likes of Erling Haaland, Jordan Pickford, and even Arsenal’s Declan Rice. As Grealish prepares to don Everton’s No. 18 shirt, his move signals a bold bid to revive his career and reclaim his spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Grealish’s departure from Manchester City, where he became Britain’s first £100 million player in 2021, marks the end of a bittersweet four-year stint. After a pivotal role in City’s 2022-23 treble—winning the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup—his playing time dwindled, with only seven Premier League starts last season. “I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton – it’s massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans,” Grealish said in an EvertonTV interview, his enthusiasm palpable. His decision to join Everton over interest from Napoli, Tottenham, and Newcastle was influenced by a conversation with Wayne Rooney, a club legend. “There is a reason for [choosing number 18]. My two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, and I know they both wore No. 18 here,” he explained, adding, “I spoke to Wayne before I came here and I mentioned that to him – about the No. 18 – so I hope he’s happy as well.” Rooney himself liked Grealish’s Instagram post, a nod to their shared connection.
The move, which includes a £50 million option to buy, comes with Everton covering most of Grealish’s £300,000-a-week wages, a financial sacrifice he embraced to make the deal happen. Everton manager David Moyes, known for revitalizing out-of-form talents, sees Grealish as a game-changer. “I think we’re getting him at a good time because he’s experienced, he understands the Premier League, and we’re all fully aware of the levels he’s capable of performing to,” Moyes said, eyeing Grealish as a potential No. 10 or left winger to spark Everton’s attack. The Toffees, who finished 13th last season, are banking on Grealish to bring flair to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, set to host its first Premier League match against Leeds United on August 18. “As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go,” Grealish added, crediting Moyes’ vision.
Reactions from the football community were swift. Manchester City’s Haaland and Ederson, alongside Everton’s Pickford and Idrissa Gueye, liked Grealish’s post, signaling camaraderie across club lines. Tottenham’s James Maddison and Rice also showed support, reflecting Grealish’s widespread popularity. His emotional farewell to City teammates, shared via Instagram Stories—“Good luck to my brothers for the upcoming season! Wish yous all the best,” accompanied by blue heart emojis—underscored his bond with the squad, despite his reduced role under Pep Guardiola. “I fought a lot for him, fought a lot to be here,” Guardiola had said in January, lamenting Grealish’s dip in form but acknowledging his treble-winning brilliance.
Grealish’s move is a calculated gamble to rediscover the free-spirited form that made him Aston Villa’s talisman. His exclusion from England’s Euro 2024 squad left him “heartbroken,” and with Thomas Tuchel now at the helm, regular minutes are crucial for a World Cup berth. “On social media, I’ve been flooded with messages from Everton supporters, so there’s that side of it as well and that’s another reason why I chose Everton,” he said, thanking fans for their warm welcome. As he steps onto Merseyside, Grealish carries the hopes of a club craving a catalyst and a nation eager to see its maverick shine again.
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