Jack Grealish, former Manchester City star, has signed with Everton on a season-long loan, aiming to reclaim his spot in the England national team for the 2026 World Cup. The 29-year-old, who will wear the number 18 shirt, left Pep Guardiola’s side after losing prominence, starting only seven matches in the last Premier League season. The transfer, announced on August 12, 2025, marks the midfielder’s arrival at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The deal includes a £50 million buy option. Grealish’s debut could happen against Leeds on August 18, in the season opener. The move reflects both the player’s ambition to regain form and Everton’s intent to strengthen their squad under David Moyes.
Grealish’s move to Everton comes at a critical point in his career. After being a key figure in Manchester City’s 2023 treble-winning season, he struggled for consistency, often overlooked by Guardiola in major matches like the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. Securing more playing time is vital for his international aspirations.
- Transfer motives: Grealish seeks more minutes to impress England’s coach, Thomas Tuchel.
- Number 18 choice: A tribute to idols Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, who wore it at Everton.
- Immediate impact: Expected to debut in the Premier League against Leeds, in a televised match.
- Fan support: Grealish cited enthusiastic social media messages from Everton fans as a key factor.
Transfer details and Everton expectations
Grealish’s transfer to Everton was finalized after weeks of talks with Manchester City. The deal, with a £50 million purchase clause, reflects Everton’s confidence in the player’s ability to elevate the team. Manager David Moyes praised Grealish’s Premier League experience as a game-changer. The midfielder, signed by City for £100 million in 2021, arrives to add creativity to the midfield.
Manchester City’s decision to loan Grealish followed the arrival of new players like Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyonnais, intensifying squad competition. Moyes sees Grealish as a chance to lead Everton’s project at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The manager believes he can rediscover the form that made him a standout at Aston Villa, where he was captain.
The loan agreement sees Everton covering a significant portion of Grealish’s £300,000 weekly salary, signaling their investment in the 2025/26 season. Fans, thrilled with the signing, have flooded social media with support, forging an instant connection with the new star.
Following in their footsteps…🏴
— Everton (@Everton) August 12, 2025
Our newest recruit on why he chose No.18? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/naL01HhaLN
Grealish’s impact on the Premier League
Grealish’s arrival at Everton is viewed as a strategic boost for the Premier League. Known for his dribbling and decisive passing, he could bring a fresh attacking edge. Last season, Everton finished mid-table, and Grealish’s signing signals their intent to climb higher. Moyes plans to deploy him as a left winger or central playmaker, leveraging his versatility.
- Tactical role: Grealish will play as a winger or attacking midfielder, depending on the system.
- Big-game experience: Three Premier League titles and a Champions League in his résumé.
- New stadium debut: First home game against Brighton on August 24 at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
- Squad competition: Vying for a spot alongside new signings like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carlos Alcaraz.
English media, including pundit Paul Merson, praised the move, noting Everton offers Grealish the space to take on defenders directly, unlike at City, where opponents often sat deep. Expectations are high for him to replicate his Aston Villa flair.
Pursuit of England national team spot
Grealish’s drive to reclaim his England place is a cornerstone of the transfer. After being left out of Euro 2024, his international career stalled, with just four goals in 39 England caps. The arrival of Thomas Tuchel as England’s coach heightens the need for consistent performances. Grealish, absent from the national team since October 2024, has been working with a personal trainer to peak physically.
Everton, under Moyes, offers the ideal platform for this comeback. The manager has voiced support for Grealish’s ambitions, ensuring the club will back his efforts. The 2025/26 season, with the World Cup looming, is pivotal for the soon-to-be 30-year-old.
Grealish’s Manchester City journey
Grealish joined Manchester City in 2021 for a record £100 million. Over four years at the Etihad, he won three Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup, a UEFA Super Cup, and a Club World Cup. However, his final season saw just one league start, hampered by injuries and squad competition.
At City, Grealish played 157 matches, scoring 17 goals and providing 23 assists, though his stats don’t fully capture his on-field impact. His ball retention and playmaking were vital in the 2023 treble, but limited minutes prompted his move. Joining Everton offers a fresh start away from City’s star-heavy roster.
- Key City achievements: 2023 treble, including the Champions League.
- City stats: 157 games, 17 goals, 23 assists over four seasons.
- Exit reasons: Competition from new signings and lack of starting role.
- Legacy: Grealish departs City as one of their biggest-ever investments.
Everton’s new era with Grealish
Everton enters the 2025/26 season with renewed ambition, fueled by their move to Hill Dickinson Stadium and the Friedkin group’s management. Alongside Grealish, signings like Thierno Barry, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carlos Alcaraz, Adam Aznou, and Mark Travers signal a bold project. Grealish’s arrival is the most high-profile, given his international status.
Leaving Goodison Park behind, Everton hopes the new stadium and players like Grealish will draw more fans and sponsors. Moyes, known for rebuilding squads, trusts Grealish to lead on the pitch. The Leeds opener will test how he fits into Everton’s tactics.
Fan and media reactions
Grealish’s signing sparked instant excitement among Everton fans. Social media overflowed with supportive messages, eager to see him at the new stadium. The English press views the transfer as a chance for Grealish to rediscover his spark, with analysts noting Everton’s gain from his technical quality.
- Fan reactions: Thousands of social media posts welcoming Grealish.
- Media views: Pundits like Paul Merson call the move ideal for the player.
- Expected impact: Grealish as a key creative force in Everton’s midfield.
- Season outlook: Boosted club visibility with a star signing.
The 2025/26 season marks a turning point for Everton, with Grealish at the heart of a project blending tradition and renewal. His debut against Leeds puts him in the spotlight as he chases a World Cup spot.
