Jack Grealish’s preferred transfer destination emerges with report claiming he ‘favours’ them over Newcastle and other interested clubs
A surprise twist has emerged in the transfer saga surrounding Jack Grealish, as reports suggest that Everton have entered the race to sign the Manchester City midfielder — and the player himself is reportedly “excited” about the possibility of making the move.
Grealish, 29, was recently left out of Manchester City’s 27-man squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, a decision that raised eyebrows and further fueled speculation about his future at the Etihad Stadium. His exclusion from the high-profile tournament in America has only intensified rumours that his time under Pep Guardiola may be drawing to a close.
Despite still having two years left on his lucrative contract — worth a reported £300,000 per week — Grealish is now being heavily linked with a summer exit. Last season, he made just seven starts in the Premier League, leading to growing doubts about his role in City’s long-term plans. Now, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the England international is believed to be seeking more consistent first-team football, and a fresh challenge could be just what he needs.
A number of Premier League clubs have been linked with the former Aston Villa captain, including Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and even his boyhood club Villa, who could be tempted to bring him back home. However, a new and unexpected contender has emerged: Everton.
According to the Daily Mail, the Toffees are closely monitoring Grealish’s situation ahead of the 2025/26 season. Though no official negotiations have been initiated between Everton and Manchester City, the move is seen as a potential loan arrangement due to the financial limitations imposed by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations.
A report from Football Insider adds further intrigue to the situation, claiming that Grealish prefers a move to Everton over Newcastle or the foreign clubs that have expressed interest. The report states that Grealish has come to terms with the idea of leaving City this summer and has told friends he is open to joining another Premier League side — with Everton’s interest particularly exciting to him.
One of the key draws for Grealish is reportedly the opportunity to play a central role in Everton’s rebuild, especially with the club set to move into the state-of-the-art Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium. For a player who wants to be more than just a squad member at a Champions League club, the allure of being a guaranteed starter in an ambitious project appears to be highly attractive.
“The glamour of the club’s new stadium and the possibility of regular football is appealing to Grealish,” the report says. “He doesn’t want to be on the bench at a top-four club. He wants to be playing every week — and Everton could offer him that platform.”
City boss Pep Guardiola also addressed the midfielder’s future following the club’s final league match of the season against Fulham, from which Grealish was again left out. In his post-match comments, Guardiola acknowledged the player’s desire and need for regular football.
“Of course, Jack has to play. He’s an unbelievable player who needs to be playing football every three days,” said Guardiola. “That didn’t happen this season — and not last season either. He needs that rhythm, whether it’s here or somewhere else.”
He continued, “It’s not personal with Jack. I’ve always been the one fighting for him — I fought to bring him here, and I fought to keep him here this season. But what happens next is not in my hands. That’s for Jack, his agent, and the club to decide.”
The manager’s candid remarks suggest a mutual understanding that a change could be on the cards, even if there remains respect and admiration between player and coach.
If a deal were to go through, Grealish would undoubtedly become a marquee signing for Everton — one that could ignite fan excitement as the club embarks on a new era in their stunning new stadium. His arrival would send a clear signal that the Toffees intend to challenge for a return to the upper reaches of the Premier League table.
Whether Everton can financially make the deal work — likely via a creative loan arrangement — remains to be seen. But there’s no question that Grealish’s potential move to Merseyside would be one of the standout stories of the summer.
What are your thoughts on Jack Grealish potentially donning the royal blue of Everton next season? Could this be the fresh start he needs — and the statement signing the Toffees crave? Let us know in the comments.