As the summer transfer window heats up, two Premier League clubs, Everton and West Ham United, have emerged as frontrunners in a high-stakes battle to secure the signature of Manchester City’s Jack Grealish. The 29-year-old England international, who has struggled for consistent game time at the Etihad, is reportedly on the market, with City open to both permanent and loan deals. This transfer saga, unfolding as the 2025/26 season looms, promises to reshape Grealish’s career and inject new energy into the club fortunate enough to land him.
Grealish’s journey at Manchester City began with a record-breaking £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021, making him the most expensive British player at the time. His first two seasons were a triumph, culminating in a historic treble in 2022/23, where he played 50 matches, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists. However, the past two years have been marred by injuries and inconsistent form, limiting him to just seven Premier League starts in the 2024/25 campaign. His exclusion from City’s squad for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, coupled with Pep Guardiola’s candid remarks, has signaled the end of Grealish’s tenure at the club. “He had a conversation with the club and they decided it was best,” Guardiola said, emphasizing the need for Grealish to find regular minutes elsewhere. “Jack is an exceptional player. The only reason why he didn’t play last season is of course my decisions.”
Everton, under the stewardship of manager David Moyes, see Grealish as a marquee signing to herald a new era at their state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Toffees are keen to secure a loan deal, though City’s preference for a permanent transfer with a £50 million price tag poses a challenge, especially given Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages. Moyes, a long-time admirer of the winger’s flair and creativity, believes Grealish could be the centerpiece of his squad, offering him the freedom to reignite his career. “We are going to try to do something right now when we were going to do it in the summer,” Guardiola noted, hinting at City’s willingness to negotiate as they reshape their squad with new signings like Rayan Cherki from Lyon.
West Ham, meanwhile, have made a bold inquiry into Grealish’s availability, with discussions initiated in mid-July 2025. The Hammers, led by manager Julen Lopetegui, are looking to bolster their attacking options as they aim to climb the Premier League table. However, the financial complexities of the deal, particularly Grealish’s hefty salary, make a move to London a steep climb. Posts on X have highlighted West Ham’s keen interest, with some suggesting Grealish is open to relocating to the capital, though no deal has been finalized. The prospect of regular first-team football at West Ham could be a tantalizing opportunity for Grealish to rediscover the form that made him a fan favorite at Villa Park.
Grealish’s desire for consistent minutes is driven by his ambition to reclaim his spot in England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. England manager Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that Grealish’s lack of playing time at City jeopardized his international prospects. “He’s a unique player but he needs minutes and minutes and minutes, and he simply does not get them,” Tuchel remarked, underscoring the urgency for Grealish to find a new home. A move to either Everton or West Ham could offer the platform he needs to shine, especially in the Premier League’s competitive spotlight.
Beyond the Premier League, interest from abroad adds intrigue to Grealish’s future. Serie A champions Napoli, fresh off signing Kevin De Bruyne, have been linked, while Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund have also monitored his situation. Saudi Arabian clubs like Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, and Neom SC have dangled lucrative offers, but Grealish’s preference is to remain in Europe, ideally in a Champions League club. A return to Aston Villa, his boyhood club, seems unlikely due to their high wage-to-revenue ratio and manager Unai Emery’s focus on other targets.
Grealish’s career arc is a tale of brilliance and resilience. From his early days at Aston Villa, where he captained the side to promotion in 2019, to his trophy-laden stint at City, he has proven his quality. Yet, off-field challenges and injuries have tested his resolve. His last goal for City, a strike against Salford City in the FA Cup in January 2025, ended a 392-day drought, a reminder of his potential when given the chance. As Everton and West Ham prepare to battle it out, the football world watches eagerly to see where Grealish’s next chapter will unfold, with both clubs poised to offer him a fresh start in the Premier League.
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