Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has secured a loan move to Everton for the 2025-26 season, aiming to rejuvenate his career after losing his place in Pep Guardiola’s plans.
The 29-year-old started only seven Premier League matches last season and was excluded from City’s Club World Cup squad in the United States, highlighting his reduced role under Guardiola. Everton finalized the transfer, reportedly taking on a portion of Grealish’s £300,000-per-week salary, just days before their Premier League kickoff against Leeds on August 18.
“I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton – it’s massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans,” Grealish said. He will don the number 18 shirt as a nod to Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne. “My two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne and I know they both wore number 18 here. I spoke to Wayne before I came here and I mentioned that to him – about the number 18 – so I hope he’s happy as well.”
Grealish transferred to City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a then-record British fee of £100 million, securing three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup. However, his form declined after the 2022-23 treble-winning campaign, and he was omitted from England’s Euro 2024 squad, a decision that left him “heartbroken”. Last season, Guardiola sidelined him for crucial games, including the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace.
Concerns about his off-field lifestyle have fueled speculation about his future, but Grealish is confident Everton offers the ideal environment to relaunch his career. “As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go. On social media, I’ve been flooded with messages from Everton supporters, so there’s that side of it as well and that’s another reason why I chose Everton. I want to say thank you to the fans for all of the messages I’ve had already. Thank you for all of the love and support. I hope I can repay you now and I’m sure I will.”
Everton, now playing at their new Hill Dickinson stadium after leaving Goodison Park, view Grealish as their standout signing in a subdued transfer window for manager David Moyes. “We welcome Jack to Everton and we’re very pleased to have him on board,” Moyes said. “I think we’re getting him at a good time because he’s experienced, he understands the Premier League and we’re all fully aware of the levels he’s capable of performing to. I know Jack’s ambition is to get back into the England squad, so hopefully we can help him achieve that over the course of the season.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
