Everton have initiated discussions with Manchester City over a potential season-long loan for Jack Grealish, but City are reportedly firm on one condition: the Toffees must cover the midfielder’s full wages.
Grealish, 29, is said to be keen on a move that could reignite his career and boost his chances of returning to the England setup.
After joining City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a British record £100 million, he has made 157 appearances and played a role in securing three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and the Champions League.
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Despite his decorated stint, Grealish saw limited action last season, starting just seven Premier League matches in the 2024–25 campaign—fueling speculation about a possible exit.
Everton, keen to bolster their attacking options under David Moyes, see Grealish as a statement signing for their new Hill Dickinson Stadium era. The Toffees have already added Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea for 25 million pounds, their fifth signing this summer, but Moyes has expressed a desire for further reinforcements.
City’s demand that Grealish’s 300,000 pounds-a-week salary be fully covered poses a challenge, as it dwarfs Everton’s current top earner Jordan Pickford’s 125,000 pounds-a-week wages.
Transfer insider Ben Jacobs noted on X that City are firm on this condition, making the deal “complicated” but one Everton are “actively exploring.”
Grealish’s camp has been approached, and sources indicate he is “open” to joining Everton, excited by the prospect of regular football and the club’s new chapter. Football Insider reported Grealish has shared his enthusiasm with friends, drawn to the idea of being a focal point in Moyes’ squad.
City manager Pep Guardiola has been candid about Grealish’s situation. “Jack is an exceptional player,” Guardiola said last season. “The only reason he didn’t play last season is my decision. We decided he has to play and show the quality he has.” The Spaniard highlighted Grealish’s key role in City’s 2022-23 treble, adding, “Without him, it would have been more difficult.”
Grealish’s limited minutes have also impacted his England career. He last played for the Three Lions in October 2024 against Finland and was omitted from the Euro 2024 squad.
With the 2026 World Cup looming, England boss Thomas Tuchel has stressed the need for regular club football, saying, “Jack gets better the more minutes he plays. He has the character to be the glue in a team.”
Everton’s interest follows their failure to sign Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, pushing them toward Grealish as a creative solution.
However, City’s preference for a permanent sale, potentially at 40 million pounds, could complicate matters unless a loan agreement is reached with significant wage contributions.
For Grealish, a move to Everton could offer the chance to rediscover his spark. For the Toffees, landing a player of his pedigree would signal bold ambition as they aim to climb the Premier League table.