Manchester City’s 2025-26 season has kicked off with a familiar financial flourish, marking their second consecutive year of splashing over £100 million in the transfer market. The reigning Premier League champions, known for their calculated ambition, have once again flexed their financial muscle, but the headline story is the departure of Jack Grealish on a season-long loan to Everton—a move that has sparked intrigue, debate, and a touch of controversy. The 29-year-old winger, once Britain’s record £100 million signing, now seeks to revive his career at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, while City navigate a public relations storm over Grealish’s off-field antics, including a mysterious 3G pitch incident that saw controversial articles swiftly removed.
City’s summer spending spree, totaling £106 million, included high-profile signings like Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for £50 million and Rayan Cherki from Lyon for £30 million, alongside other attacking talents. This aggressive recruitment follows a trophyless 2024-25 season, a rare blip for Pep Guardiola’s side, which saw Grealish relegated to just seven Premier League starts. The club’s transfer strategy, while bold, reflects a desire to refresh an attack that struggled for consistency last term. However, Grealish’s loan to Everton, finalized on August 12, 2025, has drawn attention not only for its footballing implications but also for the whispers of off-field issues that preceded it.
Grealish’s move to Everton was a pragmatic decision for all parties. After a stellar 2022-23 season where he started every Champions League knockout match during City’s treble-winning campaign, Grealish’s role diminished. “Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason why he didn’t play last season is, of course, my decisions,” Guardiola admitted, reflecting on Grealish’s omission from City’s Club World Cup squad. The winger’s limited game time—715 Premier League minutes last season, fewer than second-choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega—prompted City to sanction a loan, with Everton covering roughly £225,000 of his £300,000-a-week wages and an option to buy for £50 million. Grealish, eager to reclaim his England spot for the 2026 World Cup, saw Everton as the ideal platform. “I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton. It’s massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans,” he told Everton media, citing his admiration for manager David Moyes and the warm welcome from supporters.
The loan deal, while financially complex, aligns with Everton’s ambitions under new ownership from The Friedkin Group. Moyes, a long-time admirer of Grealish, believes the winger can rediscover his Aston Villa flair. “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. Grealish’s choice of the No. 18 shirt, a nod to Everton legends Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, underscores his intent to make an impact. “I spoke to Wayne before I came here and mentioned the number 18—so I hope he’s happy as well!” Grealish added, revealing a personal touch to his decision.
Yet, Grealish’s departure from City was not without controversy. Reports surfaced of an incident involving Grealish training on a 3G pitch, allegedly linked to disciplinary issues or lifestyle concerns that irked Guardiola. While details remain murky, articles detailing the episode were quickly retracted, fueling speculation about City’s efforts to control the narrative. Some suggested Grealish’s off-field behavior, including a history of high-profile socializing, contributed to his falling out with Guardiola. “He is able to play a really good game like in the FA Cup,” Guardiola noted, “but not the consistency to play every week with three games.” The manager’s comments hint at a deeper frustration, with Grealish’s limited starts reflecting a tactical shift toward wingers like Jeremy Doku and Marmoush, who offer relentless pace over Grealish’s creative guile.
For Everton, Grealish’s arrival is a coup, though not without risks. The Toffees, who finished 13th last season, lack a natural right winger, and Grealish’s preference for the left or No. 10 role could create an imbalance alongside players like Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil. Still, Moyes sees Grealish as a game-changer, capable of dictating play and winning free kicks—167 in a single season at Villa, a Premier League record. Everton’s financial commitment, estimated at £12 million including wages and a potential loan fee, reflects their belief in Grealish’s ability to elevate their attack as they christen their new stadium.
Grealish’s loan marks a pivotal moment in his career. His exclusion from England’s 2024 European Championship squad left him “heartbroken,” and with only 34 caps, he knows regular minutes are crucial for a World Cup berth. Everton offers a fresh start, free from the intense competition at City, where Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, and new signings crowded him out. As City continue their £100 million spending spree, aiming to reclaim domestic and European glory, Grealish’s journey at Everton will test his resilience and talent. The 3G controversy, now buried, lingers as a reminder of the challenges he faces, but for Grealish, the chance to shine again on Merseyside could redefine his legacy.
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