The Premier League’s opening weekend delivered a bittersweet moment for Jack Grealish, the 29-year-old England star who swapped Manchester City’s sky-blue for Everton’s royal blue on a season-long loan. His highly anticipated debut for the Toffees against newly promoted Leeds United on August 18, 2025, ended in a 1-0 defeat at Elland Road, with Grealish’s 27-minute cameo failing to ignite the spark fans hoped for. Limited to just 15 touches, the former £100 million man drew mixed reactions from Manchester City supporters, some lamenting his underutilization, others questioning his fit at Everton, and a few wondering if Pep Guardiola’s decision to let him go was justified. As Grealish looks to revive his career, his quiet start has fueled debates about his future and his quest to reclaim a spot in England’s World Cup squad.
Grealish’s move to Everton, finalized last week with an option to buy for £50 million, marked the end of a turbulent chapter at Manchester City. After joining from Aston Villa in 2021 for a British record fee, he played a key role in their 2023 treble, starting 21 of 23 games between January and May, including both Champions League semi-final legs and the final against Inter Milan. However, his role dwindled, with only seven Premier League starts last season and omissions from the FA Cup final and Club World Cup squads signaling the end of his Etihad tenure. “I want to say thank you to the fans for all of the messages I’ve had already,” Grealish told EvertonTV, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome. His choice of the No. 18 shirt, a nod to childhood heroes Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, who wore it at Everton, added a sentimental touch. “I spoke to Wayne before I came here and mentioned the number 18—so I hope he’s happy,” he added with a smile.
Entering the Leeds match in the 71st minute for Tim Iroegbunam, Grealish faced a hostile Elland Road crowd, a rivalry rooted in his Aston Villa days when Leeds fans booed him during Championship battles. With the score tied at 0-0, hopes were high that Grealish’s flair could turn the tide. Instead, Everton struggled, failing to register a shot on goal in the first half, and a late penalty—converted by Leeds’ debutant Lukas Nmecha after James Tarkowski’s handball in the 84th minute—sealed their fate. Grealish’s stats were modest: eight completed passes, one foul drawn, and three instances of lost possession. Manchester City fans took to social media to voice their frustrations. “Bet Grealish is wishing he had put a bit more in at City,” one supporter posted, suggesting regret over his departure. Another fumed, “Give Grealish the ball, bro, he’s better than your entire squad. These guys are back passing in their box when 1-0 down with five minutes left, not even Grealish can save them.” A third questioned Everton’s tactics: “Everton playing Grealish out wide, have they not been watching him at City for the last two, three years?”
Everton fans, too, expressed disappointment, not at Grealish’s effort but at manager David Moyes’ decision to deploy him as a touchline winger, a role where he struggled at City. “Grealish should’ve started, much rather give him 60 minutes than bring him on the last 25,” one fan lamented, pointing to the absence of Dwight McNeil and the team’s lack of creativity. Another saw potential in a central role, noting, “The Jack Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall partnership on the left will feed Everton this season.” Moyes, a long-time admirer, had hailed the signing as a coup, saying, “I know Jack’s ambition is to get back into the England squad, so hopefully we can help him achieve that.” Yet, the decision to position Grealish wide, rather than in his preferred No. 10 role, echoed criticisms from his City days, where Pep Guardiola’s system often stifled his creativity.
Despite the loss, Grealish remained defiant, posting a heartfelt message to Everton fans: “So proud to make my debut for this great club. We’ll go again next week!” The defeat, overshadowed by the controversial penalty, left Moyes frustrated, though he conceded Leeds’ dominance. “I spoke with the officials after the game, but nothing can help us now,” he said. For Grealish, the focus shifts to Everton’s next match against Brighton on August 24 at their new 53,000-seat Hill Dickinson Stadium, where fans hope to see the “Aston Villa Grealish” who dazzled with flair and fearlessness. With injuries and inconsistent form behind him, this loan offers a chance to rediscover the joy that made him a fan favorite. As City fans watch their former star, and Evertonians pin their hopes on his magic, Grealish’s journey at Goodison Park is just beginning, with the promise of a glorious third act still within reach.
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