Liam Duckstein
Everton have pulled off one of the most eye-catching moves of the summer, confirming the season-long loan signing of Jack Grealish from Manchester City. The 29-year-old England midfielder arrives with a point to prove, aiming to revive his international prospects ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Both clubs announced the deal on Tuesday, with reports suggesting the Toffees hold an option to buy for £50 million at the end of the loan. City originally broke the British transfer record to sign Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021 for £100 million, but after slipping down Pep Guardiola’s pecking order, he has opted for regular minutes elsewhere.
On Merseyside, Grealish will don the iconic No. 18 shirt – previously worn by club legends Paul Gascoigne and Wayne Rooney – and will reportedly retain his current £300,000-a-week wage packet. “I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton. This is a great club with great fans. As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place I wanted to go,” he told club media.
Manager David Moyes believes the timing is perfect: “He’s experienced, understands the Premier League, and we all know his top level. His ambition is to get back into the England squad, and hopefully we can help him achieve that.”
Grealish endured a difficult 2023/24 campaign, starting only seven league matches and missing out on City’s Club World Cup squad. He was also left out of England’s Euro 2024 roster by Thomas Tuchel, but remains determined to add to his 39 senior caps.
During his time at City, Grealish made 157 appearances, scoring 17 goals, and played a part in three Premier League title wins, as well as lifting the Champions League, FA Cup, and Club World Cup in 2023. His arrival marks Everton’s sixth signing of the summer as the club prepares to begin a new era at the 52,769-seat Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.
Verdict: A high-profile signing that could tilt the Toffees’ odds for a top-half finish. If Grealish clicks in Moyes’ system, don’t be surprised to see his England recall odds shorten before the new year.