By Martin Graham
Everton has finalized a deal to bring Manchester City’s Jack Grealish in on loan for the entire season.
The winger, 29, has struggled for regular opportunities under Pep Guardiola, missing the final Premier League match at Fulham as well as the Club World Cup in the United States.
Both clubs have agreed to terms, and the England international, who is on a reported £300,000 per week at City, is set to undergo a medical.
Grealish moved to City from Aston Villa in August 2021 for a British record of £100m, collecting three league titles, an FA Cup, and the Champions League during more than 150 appearances.
However, last season he was named in only seven Premier League starting lineups as City ended the campaign without lifting a major honor.
His omission from the FA Cup final starting team – when teenager Claudio Echeverri was given a debut – underlined his declining role.
Although the forward had been hoping for a permanent transfer, ideally to a Champions League club, no firm approaches came from potential suitors such as Newcastle or Tottenham.
Everton’s offer gives him no European competition this term, but it does offer the chance to lead from the front at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium and push for an England recall.
Chance to regain form at Everton
The Toffees’ first full campaign at their new home will see Grealish arrive as a marquee addition.
Manager David Moyes lifted the club from relegation concerns to 13th place last term, but summer recruitment has been limited.
Grealish will need to sharpen both physically and mentally to play far more minutes than in his previous two seasons.
National team coach Thomas Tuchel has shown he is willing to select players lacking game time at the club level, as with Marcus Rashford and Kyle Walker.
That offers encouragement for Grealish, who missed the 2024 European Championship and has been open about his disappointment at the omission.
The upcoming World Cup year gives him added motivation, but his performances in Everton colors will determine his prospects.
From Villa stardom to City struggles
Grealish rose through Aston Villa’s ranks, driving their return to the Premier League and becoming the focal point of their attack.
His debut season at City brought 26 league appearances with three goals and three assists, helping them edge Liverpool to the title.
The following campaign marked his peak at the club – 50 appearances, five goals, 11 assists, and starting every Champions League knockout tie as City claimed a historic treble.
However, a hamstring injury in 2023-24 and competition from Jeremy Doku reduced his impact, and that season ended with more yellow cards than total goals and assists combined.
The past year brought even less involvement, with only 16 starts – his lowest since age 20 – and the fewest contributions since 2019.
Despite Guardiola denying any personal issue, Grealish was omitted from City’s final matchday squad and the Club World Cup trip, instead training individually in Manchester.
His commitment during an open training session in August suggested no public rift, but after two frustrating years, a fresh start at Everton offers him the opportunity to re-establish his career.
