Jack Grealish is set to join Everton on loan after falling down the pecking order at Manchester City. Signed from Aston Villa in 2021 for over €100 million, the England international now seeks regular football to revive his career and international hopes.
Jack Grealish’s time at Manchester City appears to have reached a turning point, with the England international now set for a fresh chapter in his career.
According to renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the 29-year-old has given the green light to a season-long loan move to Everton, following an agreement between the two clubs. This decision comes after weeks of speculation surrounding Grealish’s future, with reports suggesting that both player and club had been weighing their options carefully in light of his diminishing role under Pep Guardiola.
Everton’s interest in Grealish is seen as a bold and ambitious move. The Toffees have been searching for a creative spark in their midfield, someone capable of unlocking defences and adding a new dimension to their attack. Grealish, with his close control, flair, and ability to draw fouls in dangerous areas, fits that profile perfectly. The deal, understood to be a straight loan without an obligation to buy, allows Everton to test his impact without committing to the massive financial outlay that City paid when they signed him from Aston Villa.
For Manchester City, this marks the latest in a series of high-profile changes to Guardiola’s squad as they look to refresh the team following another intense and trophy-laden campaign. While Grealish featured in 32 matches across all competitions last season, contributing three goals and five assists, his influence waned in the latter half of the season. In the biggest matches, Guardiola often preferred other attacking options such as Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and even new signings, leaving Grealish fighting for minutes.
Grealish’s arrival at City in the summer of 2021 was one of the most talked-about transfers in Premier League history. The then 25-year-old joined from Aston Villa for a British-record fee of over €100 million, making him the most expensive English player ever at the time. The move was seen as a statement of intent from City, securing a player who had dazzled in the Premier League with his dribbling skills, vision, and ability to turn games in an instant.
His first two seasons at City saw him claim multiple domestic trophies, including Premier League titles and an FA Cup, and he was part of the squad that lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy, completing the club’s historic treble in 2023. However, despite these collective successes, Grealish’s personal journey at the Etihad has been one of mixed fortunes. While his work rate, defensive contributions, and off-the-ball movement were praised by Guardiola, his direct goal involvement numbers fell short of the explosive impact many expected when he signed.
Everton now represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The club narrowly avoided relegation in recent seasons, but under Sean Dyche they have shown greater resilience and organisation. Dyche is expected to give Grealish a central role in the team’s attacking play, potentially using him both as a traditional winger and in a more free-roaming attacking midfield role. This freedom could help the player rediscover the form that made him one of the most feared creative talents in the league during his Aston Villa days.
The move could also reignite Grealish’s international prospects. With England manager Gareth Southgate set to make difficult decisions ahead of the next major tournament, regular game time and strong performances will be crucial if Grealish is to secure a place in the squad. At Everton, he will have the platform to play consistently and lead by example, away from the intense rotation of City’s star-studded lineup.
Financially, the deal is also notable. City’s willingness to sanction a loan rather than hold out for a permanent transfer suggests a recognition that Grealish’s market value is currently below the €100 million they paid. A successful season at Everton could not only restore that value but also open the door to either a permanent move or a reintegration into City’s plans next year.
As things stand, Grealish’s imminent move to Goodison Park is expected to be finalised in the coming days, with the player set to undergo a medical and potentially join Everton’s pre-season preparations immediately. For Everton fans, this is a marquee addition that could transform their attacking fortunes. For Grealish, it’s a chance to step out of the shadows at Manchester City and remind the football world why he was once the most sought-after English talent in the game.
