Everton Football Club is currently progressing in discussions to secure a loan deal for Jack Grealish, the talented winger from Manchester City. The 29-year-old player has seen his standing at City diminish lately, having been excluded from the squad for key matches, including the final Premier League game against Fulham and the Club World Cup hosted in the United States.
Sources have informed BBC Sport that while an agreement for Grealish's loan is not imminent, the discussions are ongoing. Grealish, who reportedly earns £300,000 per week, joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in August 2021 for a British record fee of £100 million. Since then, he has made over 150 appearances, contributing significantly to the team’s achievements, including three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup.
Despite his impressive track record, Grealish's game time has drastically reduced, making only seven league starts in the previous season as City concluded the campaign without securing any major trophies. Notably, he was left on the bench during the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, where young Argentine talent Claudio Echeverri made his debut instead.
Initially, it was reported that Grealish sought a permanent transfer away from Manchester City, aiming for a fresh start. However, the current circumstances suggest he may need to settle for a loan move. Grealish had expressed a preference for joining a club competing in the Champions League, with teams like Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur being potential destinations. However, no formal offers have materialized from these clubs.
A move to Everton might not provide Grealish with the opportunity to participate in European competitions, but it offers a chance to revitalize his career and take a central role at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Additionally, Grealish is eager to reclaim his spot in the England squad after expressing his heartbreak over being omitted from the team for the upcoming 2024 European Championship.
The past two seasons have been challenging for Grealish, especially after his pivotal role in Manchester City's historic treble-winning season in 2022-23. During that season, he started in crucial matches, including the FA Cup final and all seven knockout ties in the Champions League. However, injuries and tactical decisions have hindered his performance in the following season, culminating in him finishing with more yellow cards than goals and assists combined.
With only 40% participation in the total minutes played by City, Grealish's involvement plummeted to 30% last term, marking the lowest output since he was 20 years old. His struggles were further compounded by a lack of opportunities to showcase his skills, which he had previously demonstrated so effectively at Aston Villa.
Should the transfer to Everton proceed, Grealish's primary challenge will be to prepare himself both physically and mentally for increased playing time, a stark contrast to his recent experiences at City. Under the management of David Moyes, Everton showed signs of rejuvenation, managing to climb up the table to finish 13th. However, they have struggled to maintain that momentum with limited recruitment this summer.
If Grealish joins Everton, he would undoubtedly be a marquee signing as the club embarks on its inaugural season at the impressive Hill Dickinson Stadium. Furthermore, with the 2024 World Cup on the horizon, England manager Thomas Tuchel has demonstrated a willingness to select players who may be out of favor at their clubs, giving Grealish hope for future international appearances.
Grealish's journey from being Britain's first £100 million player to facing challenges at Manchester City has been remarkable. He was a standout player at Aston Villa, helping the club gain promotion and establish itself in the Premier League. In his first season at City, Grealish contributed modestly with three goals and three assists. However, his second season saw him play a crucial role in the club's success, including their first Champions League victory.
After dealing with personal setbacks and injuries, Grealish is at a crucial juncture in his career. The opportunity to join Everton could serve as a pivotal moment for him to rediscover his form and potentially lead him back to the England squad for future tournaments. The ball is firmly in Grealish's court as he weighs his options and considers the next steps in his professional journey.
