Everton have secured the loan signing of Manchester City winger Jack Grealish for the 2025–26 season, in a move designed to reignite the England international’s career after slipping down Pep Guardiola’s pecking order.
The 29-year-old endured a frustrating campaign last season, starting only seven Premier League matches and missing out on City’s Club World Cup squad in the United States — a clear sign of his reduced role at the Etihad. Everton completed the deal just days before their league opener away to Leeds on August 18, and are understood to be covering part of Grealish’s £300,000-a-week wages.
Speaking after the announcement, Grealish said:
“I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton – it’s massive for me, honestly. This is a great club with great fans. My two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, and they both wore number 18 here. I spoke to Wayne before coming and mentioned that to him, so I hope he’s happy too.”
Grealish, who joined City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a then British record £100 million fee, has collected three Premier League titles, a Champions League medal, and an FA Cup during his time in Manchester. However, his form dipped after the 2022–23 treble-winning season. Omitted from England’s Euro 2024 squad — a decision he described as “heartbreaking” — he spent much of last term on the bench, including in the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace.
Off-field questions about his lifestyle have added to the speculation surrounding his future, but Grealish believes Everton offers the perfect reset.
“As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew this was the only place I wanted to go. I’ve had so many messages from Everton fans on social media, which made the decision even easier. Thank you for all the love and support — I’ll do everything I can to repay it.”
Everton, now playing at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium after leaving Goodison Park, see Grealish as a marquee addition in an otherwise quiet transfer window. Manager David Moyes welcomed the signing, saying:
“We’re getting Jack at a good time — he’s experienced, understands the Premier League, and we know what he can deliver. His aim is to get back into the England squad, and hopefully we can help him achieve that this season.”
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