In the whirlwind of the summer transfer window, where dreams of new signings ignite fanbases, Everton find themselves linked with an audacious move for Manchester City’s Jack Grealish. The 29-year-old England international, once the £100 million marquee signing who lit up Aston Villa, has seen his star dim at the Etihad, prompting speculation about his next chapter. Yet, despite whispers of interest from Goodison Park, pundits and insiders have labeled the prospect of Grealish donning Everton’s royal blue as “a long shot at the moment,” a deal fraught with financial hurdles and competing suitors.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City, which began with such fanfare in 2021, has been a tale of triumph and tribulation. “It’s a dream come true to be part of this club,” he declared upon joining, a sentiment echoed by City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, who hailed him as “an incredible talent.” His second season delivered a continental treble, with Grealish’s flair pivotal in securing the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. However, the past two years have been marred by injuries and inconsistent form, limiting him to just 17 Premier League starts and a paltry one goal and one assist in the 2024/25 season. His omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad and exclusion from City’s FIFA Club World Cup roster in June 2025 signal a clear shift, with Pep Guardiola’s preference for a smaller squad and new signings like Tijjani Reijnders pushing Grealish toward the exit.
Everton’s interest in Grealish, fueled by his reported preference for the Toffees over Newcastle United and European clubs, has sparked excitement among fans. Social media buzzed with one supporter tweeting, “Grealish at Goodison? That’s the spark we need!” Yet, the financial realities paint a daunting picture. Grealish’s hefty wages, reportedly £300,000 per week, would require Manchester City to subsidize a significant portion for any deal to materialize, a scenario described as a “very rich deal” for Everton. “There will be plenty of other clubs interested as well,” noted football analyst Phil McNulty, emphasizing Grealish’s enduring talent despite his recent struggles. Everton’s cautious approach, with the transfer window clock ticking, suggests they might only pounce if Grealish remains unattached as deadlines loom.
The competition for Grealish’s signature is fierce. Tottenham Hotspur have tabled a £40 million bid, with talks reportedly advancing, while Newcastle United and Napoli have made contact. A return to Aston Villa, where Grealish captained the side to Premier League promotion in 2019, seems unlikely due to their 91% wage-to-revenue ratio and manager Unai Emery’s tactical preferences. “Villa would be an ideal location for Grealish to return to,” an analyst mused, citing Emery’s knack for reviving careers, but financial constraints make it improbable. Napoli, fresh off a Serie A title, see Grealish’s dribbling style as a fit for their transitional play, but their £45 million ceiling could limit negotiations.
Grealish himself is at a crossroads, yearning to recapture the “joy” he admired in Paul Gascoigne, a player he once said he’d “love to be like.” His former Villa teammate Emiliano Martínez once called him “the most talented player I’ve ever seen,” yet Guardiola’s system has seemingly dulled his free-spirited flair. “Our football is always built from the midfield,” Guardiola praised after a rare Grealish start against Leicester in December 2024, where he scored in a 2-0 win. But with only four minutes played in City’s final seven league games, Grealish’s desire for a “clean break” and a permanent move is clear, though City might settle for a loan to offload his wages.
As Everton weigh their options, the Grealish saga underscores the delicate balance of ambition and pragmatism in football’s transfer market. For now, the dream of seeing Grealish weave his magic at Goodison remains tantalizingly out of reach, a long shot that would require a financial miracle to become reality.
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