Jack Grealish Joins Everton On Loan From Manchester City In Bid To Reignite His Career

England midfielder Jack Grealish will look to reignite his career after joining Everton on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old, once the most expensive player in British football history, is determined to get back to his best ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

From Record Signing to Loan Move

Grealish’s journey over the past few years has been a rollercoaster. In 2021, he completed a high-profile move from Aston Villa to Manchester City for £100 million ($139 million at the time), becoming the most expensive English player ever. The move was widely seen as a statement of intent both for City and for Grealish, who had impressed as Villa’s talisman.

In his second season at the Etihad, Grealish played a pivotal role in City’s historic treble-winning campaign, helping secure the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles in 2022–23. He was a regular starter, known for his ball control, ability to draw fouls, and creative link-up play on the left flank.

However, football can be unforgiving. The past two seasons saw a dip in form, coupled with fierce competition for attacking roles at City. Grealish’s game time dwindled, and he failed to make City’s squad for the recent FIFA Club World Cup. With Euro 2028 qualifying campaigns looming and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the England international decided it was time for a change.

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Why Everton?

For some, swapping a title-challenging club for a side aiming for a midtable finish may seem like a gamble. But for Grealish, Everton represents opportunity — a chance to be a focal point again.

“I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton — it’s massive for me, honestly,” Grealish told the club’s media. “This is a great club, with great fans. As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place I wanted to go.”

Everton has been starved of silverware since lifting the FA Cup in 1995. However, the club’s passionate fan base, historic status, and the prospect of being a central figure in their attack offer Grealish the perfect platform to prove himself again.

The move also eases Manchester City’s wage bill and reduces competition in their already stacked midfield and forward line, giving both club and player a fresh start.

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Adapting His Game

At Aston Villa, Grealish was given license to roam — drifting across the pitch, picking up pockets of space, and driving at defenders. His free-spirited style earned him admiration from fans and pundits alike.

Under Pep Guardiola, however, he was often deployed as a disciplined left-sided forward, expected to maintain width, recycle possession, and contribute to the team’s rigid positional structure. While this tactical shift made him a more rounded player, it also limited the expressive flair that made him a standout at Villa Park.

Everton manager David Moyes believes he can restore that creative freedom. With their first Premier League fixture against Leeds United on Monday, Grealish is expected to slot straight into the starting lineup.

A week later, Everton will christen their new 53,000-seat waterfront stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock with a high-profile match against Brighton & Hove Albion — a stage perfectly suited for Grealish’s debut in front of the home crowd.

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National Team Ambitions

Former England international Steve McManaman, speaking at an ESPN press conference in New York, commented on the move:

Indeed, England manager Gareth Southgate has a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal. Competition for places in the Three Lions squad is fierce, with the likes of Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and James Maddison all vying for attacking midfield roles.

Grealish knows that consistent performances, minutes on the pitch, and a return to form will be essential if he hopes to book his ticket to the World Cup in 2026.

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A Number with Meaning

One small but sentimental detail in Grealish’s move is his choice of shirt number. He will wear the No. 18 jersey — a number with special significance in Everton’s history.

“There were other numbers, but my two favorite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, and I know they both wore No. 18 here,” Grealish explained. “So, as soon as I knew this deal was close, I had a look and No. 18 was free, so that was perfect for me, and it was the only number I was going to take from that point.”

This symbolic gesture has already struck a chord with Everton fans, many of whom see parallels between Grealish’s flair and that of Gascoigne, as well as Rooney’s knack for making an impact in big games.

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Reaction from Fans and Media

Social media erupted with mixed reactions to the news. Some Manchester City fans expressed disappointment at losing a player of Grealish’s calibre, while others acknowledged the need for him to get regular minutes elsewhere. Everton supporters, on the other hand, were quick to welcome him, with hashtags like #GrealishToEFC trending within hours of the announcement.

Football pundits are also intrigued. While some see this as a bold career move that could rejuvenate Grealish, others warn of the pressure that comes with being a marquee loan signing for a club in transition.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming months will be crucial for Grealish. Everton’s new stadium, the Bramley-Moore Dock, is expected to bring renewed energy to the club, and Grealish could become the face of that revival.

For Manchester City, the loan arrangement provides flexibility. If Grealish rediscovers his best form, he could return to the Etihad reinvigorated. If not, it may pave the way for a permanent move elsewhere.

Either way, Grealish’s move is a reminder that even the most high-profile careers can face crossroads — and how players respond can define their legacy.

As Everton prepare to face Leeds in their season opener, fans will be eager to see if Grealish can deliver the magic that once made him one of England’s most electrifying talents.

For Grealish, it’s not just about proving himself to Everton supporters, but also to Gareth Southgate, Manchester City, and perhaps most importantly, himself.

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