Jack Grealish, the charismatic Manchester City winger, stands at a career crossroads as his time at the Etihad Stadium appears to be nearing its end. The 29-year-old England international, once the most expensive British transfer at £100 million when he joined from Aston Villa in 2021, has fallen out of favor under Pep Guardiola, sparking interest from Premier League rivals, with Everton emerging as the frontrunners to secure his signature on a loan deal. As the Toffees prepare for their historic move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium in the 2025-26 season, Grealish’s potential arrival could mark a bold statement of intent, offering him a chance to revive the flair that made him a household name.
Grealish’s struggles at City have been stark. Last season, he started just seven Premier League matches, a far cry from his pivotal role in the club’s 2022-23 Treble-winning campaign. His omission from the 27-man Club World Cup squad in June 2025 was a clear signal of his diminished status, with Guardiola opting for younger talents like 19-year-old Claudio Echeverri over the seasoned winger, even in critical moments like the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. “He’s a top player, but the players have to compete with each other,” Guardiola said, explaining Grealish’s reduced minutes. “The only reason he didn’t play minutes was me, not because he was incorrect or whatever.” The City boss has been candid about Grealish’s need for regular game time, stating, “Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. It didn’t happen this season and last season either. He needs to do it, with us or another place.”
Everton’s interest in Grealish is driven by their need for creativity in attack, having scored a meager 42 goals last season, the lowest among non-relegated Premier League teams. Under new ownership from the Friedkin Group and with David Moyes back at the helm, the Toffees see Grealish as a transformative figure who could thrive with the freedom to express his maverick style. “He is a really good player and probably the best player in the Premier League at this time,” Moyes said of Grealish in 2021, a sentiment that underscores his long-standing admiration. Everton’s chances are bolstered by Grealish’s desire to remain in northwest England, where he and his partner, Sasha Attwood, welcomed their daughter in September 2024, prioritizing family stability.
However, Everton face competition. West Ham United have inquired about a potential loan, though their interest hinges on resolving uncertainties around midfielder Lucas Paqueta, and the financial burden of Grealish’s £300,000-a-week wages poses a challenge. Napoli, fresh off a Serie A title, have also entered the race, eyeing a reunion with former City star Kevin De Bruyne, but Grealish’s salary and preference to stay in England make a move to Italy less likely. Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest have been mentioned as suitors, with Forest viewing Grealish as a statement signing if they secure Champions League football, while a romantic return to Aston Villa carries emotional weight for the Birmingham-born star.
Grealish’s on-field struggles contrast with his off-field generosity, which has endeared him to fans. He recently donated £1,400 to a cancer-stricken father and £1,000 toward funeral fees, inspired by his sister Hollie’s battle with cerebral palsy. Yet, his professional output—four goals and two assists in the Premier League since the 2023-24 season—has drawn criticism. Alan Shearer, speaking on the Rest is Football Podcast, declared Grealish’s time at City over after his FA Cup final snub, urging him to seek regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Guardiola himself noted, “In the end, it is about performance, delivering assists and goals,” highlighting the shift in City’s demands toward dynamic, goal-threatening wingers like Savinho and Jeremy Doku.
As Grealish trains individually in Manchester, awaiting City’s return from pre-season on July 28, 2025, his future hangs in the balance. A loan to Everton, potentially subsidized by City, could offer the regular minutes he craves, aligning with England boss Thomas Tuchel’s call for him to play consistently. With City open to a permanent transfer for around £40 million—a £60 million loss on their investment—the coming weeks will be pivotal. For Grealish, a move to Merseyside could reignite the spark that once made him the Premier League’s most captivating talent, setting the stage for a dramatic redemption arc.
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