Everton have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City winger Jack Grealish on a season-long loan. It’s a move that could reignite the England international’s career.
The 29-year-old has slipped down the pecking order at City, missing out on the squad for their final Premier League match at Fulham and the Club World Cup in the United States. Reports indicate that both clubs have reached an agreement, with a medical set to take place imminently.
Grealish, who reportedly earns £300,000 a week at City, joined from Aston Villa in August 2021 for a British record fee of £100 million. In three years at the Etihad, he has made over 150 appearances and collected an impressive haul of silverware — including three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup.
However, last season marked a sharp downturn in fortunes. Limited to just seven league starts, Grealish watched from the bench as City went through the campaign without lifting a major trophy. In the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, manager Pep Guardiola opted to hand a debut to 18-year-old Argentine Claudio Echeverri instead of calling on the experienced winger.
While the England playmaker was understood to favour a permanent move this summer, and ideally to a Champions League club, no offers materialised from the likes of Newcastle United or Tottenham Hotspur. Everton’s approach now offers him regular football, albeit without the lure of European competition.
The move to Merseyside will give Grealish the chance to be a central figure at the Toffees’ new Hill Dickinson Stadium. It is also seen as a crucial step in his bid to return to the England fold after admitting he was “heartbroken” at being left out of the squad for Euro 2024.
Reports indicate Everton’s promise of a starring role was key to persuading Grealish to join. “He needs to play every week,” the source said. “This is about getting back to his best.”
With the deal close to completion, Everton fans will be hopeful that Grealish’s flair and creativity can spark a new era for the club, and perhaps help the former record signing rediscover the form that once made him one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League.
