‘Shock contenders’ for Man City star Jack Grealish emerge as most ‘likely’ transfer revealed
In a surprising twist to the summer transfer window, Everton have emerged as unexpected contenders in the race to sign Manchester City winger Jack Grealish. The Merseyside club, now under fresh ownership by the Friedkin Group, are reportedly exploring a bold move that would mark a clear statement of intent as they usher in a new era at Goodison Park — or soon, at their new home on Bramley-Moore Dock.
Grealish, 29, is widely expected to depart the Etihad Stadium in the coming months after a turbulent and often underwhelming four-year spell under Pep Guardiola. Since making a record-breaking £100 million switch from Aston Villa in 2021 — still the highest fee ever paid for a British player — the England international has struggled to cement a regular starting role in City’s star-studded lineup.
The winger’s form and fitness have fluctuated, and with City now preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, reports suggest Grealish is not expected to be included in the traveling squad. Instead, the club has reportedly given him and his representatives permission to explore opportunities elsewhere. A number of Premier League clubs, as well as high-profile teams abroad, are expected to register interest.
According to the Daily Mail, while formal discussions between Manchester City and Everton have yet to take place, the Toffees are “closely monitoring” the situation and are “fully aware” of Grealish’s potential availability. Sources say that while a permanent deal is unlikely due to the player’s significant wage — believed to be around £300,000 per week — a season-long loan could be a viable option. That is, of course, contingent on Manchester City agreeing to subsidize a portion of his salary.
Given Everton’s ongoing battle to stay within the Premier League’s strict Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), a full transfer seems financially implausible at this stage. However, a temporary deal would allow the club to add a marquee talent without risking long-term financial damage. If the Toffees were able to land Grealish on loan, it would instantly be viewed as one of the most high-profile signings in the club’s recent history — and a major signal that the Friedkin Group intends to raise Everton’s profile both on and off the field.
New Everton manager David Moyes, who returned to the club following his departure from West Ham, is understood to be a long-time admirer of Grealish. The Scotland-born boss believes that the former Aston Villa captain could play a pivotal role in reinvigorating Everton’s attacking play, offering flair, creativity, and experience in the final third — qualities the team sorely lacked during much of the last campaign.
From Grealish’s perspective, a move to Everton could also be career-reviving. With Euro 2024 now behind him, the winger has set his sights on earning a place in England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, his national team ambitions have taken a serious hit due to his limited minutes at club level.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel recently left Grealish out of his squad for the June international break and issued a candid assessment of the situation. “Jack is a special player with real quality,” Tuchel said. “But to be part of this team, he needs consistency. He needs game time, and right now, he’s just not getting that at Manchester City.”
A fresh start at Everton could provide exactly what Grealish needs — regular first-team football, a leading role in a rebuilding project, and the chance to once again be a difference-maker on the pitch. For Everton, it would mark the beginning of an ambitious new chapter, one that signals a willingness to dream bigger under the stewardship of their new owners.
While several hurdles remain before any deal can be struck, the mere fact that Everton are even considering a move for a player of Grealish’s calibre underscores the scale of their ambition. It may still be early days in the transfer saga, but the Toffees’ interest in Jack Grealish is a developing story to watch closely this summer.