Jack Grealish Willing to make personal sacrifice to Secure Permanent Everton Switch from Manchester City
Jack Grealish is reportedly prepared to make a major personal sacrifice in order to reignite his career and secure a long-term future away from Manchester City. According to fresh reports, the England international is ready to accept a significant wage reduction if it means sealing a permanent move to Everton next summer.
The 29-year-old winger joined Everton on a season-long loan ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, seeking regular first-team football after a frustrating spell at the Etihad Stadium. With competition for attacking places fierce under Pep Guardiola and minutes hard to come by, Grealish made just seven Premier League starts last season, prompting his decision to embrace a fresh challenge.
From Record Signing to Uncertain Future
When Grealish completed his £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021, he became Manchester City’s most expensive signing ever. His first season was one of adaptation, but in his second year he thrived, playing a central role in the club’s historic treble triumph in 2022/23. That campaign remains the high point of his City career, with Grealish starting every knockout game of their Champions League-winning run and forging a productive link-up with close friend Erling Haaland, while Kevin De Bruyne dictated the midfield.
However, injuries, fitness concerns, and off-field difficulties disrupted his progress the following year. By 2023/24, the winger struggled to maintain form and rhythm, slipping down Guardiola’s pecking order. Those struggles spilled into last season, leaving Grealish on the periphery of City’s plans and questioning his future at the club.
National Team Setback
Grealish’s dip in form has also had damaging consequences for his international career. Having missed out on Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024, the Birmingham-born star hoped to convince new manager Thomas Tuchel of his worth. Instead, Tuchel has twice overlooked him for national team duty, openly stating that Grealish must play regular football at club level if he is to force his way back into contention ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
This stark reality has reportedly convinced Grealish that his City career is effectively over. Determined not to miss out on another major international tournament, he now views Everton as the ideal platform to showcase his talents and relaunch his career.
Everton Offer Lifeline
For Everton, the signing of Grealish represents a huge coup. Sean Dyche’s side, who are eager to establish themselves as a competitive Premier League force after several seasons of struggle, see the England international as both a marquee addition and an experienced leader who can bring flair and creativity to Goodison Park.
The winger’s early commitment to the Toffees suggests that his move could extend beyond the temporary deal. Sources claim Grealish has already indicated his willingness to accept a permanent switch – even if it means slashing his lucrative Manchester City wages – in order to prioritise stability, playing time, and a realistic chance of getting back into the England squad.
A New Chapter Beckons
For Grealish, the decision marks a dramatic turning point. Once the most expensive signing in English football, he now appears ready to step away from City’s star-studded environment in favour of becoming the focal point at a club where he can play week in, week out.
As things stand, Grealish’s determination to sacrifice wages highlights just how much he values a career revival over financial rewards. With Everton providing him a platform and England duty at stake, the 2025/26 campaign could prove decisive in shaping the next chapter of his career.