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Jack Grealish has completed a season-long loan move to Everton from Manchester City, declaring that there was only one club he wanted to join. The 29-year-old becomes Everton's sixth summer signing after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Charly Alcaraz, Thierno Barry, Mark Travers and Adam Aznou. Grealish revealed that conversations with Toffees boss David Moyes played a key role in his decision, along with the warm reception from Everton fans online. Expressing his excitement, the England winger said he was "over the moon" to sign for what he described as a great club with passionate supporters, promising to repay their faith. He is expected to make his debut in Everton's Premier League opener away at Leeds on Monday.
Grealish joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in August 2021 for a British record £100m and went on to make over 150 appearances, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup. However, he lost his starting place last season, managing only seven league starts and missing out on the Club World Cup squad. The move to Everton offers him the chance to revive his career, shine at the club's new stadium and work his way back into the England squad after the disappointment of missing Euro 2024. Moyes believes the timing is ideal, praising Grealish's experience, knowledge of the Premier League and proven quality. He is confident Everton can provide the platform for him to perform at his best.
Grealish will wear the number 18 shirt, a choice inspired by two of his favourite players, Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, who both wore the same number for Everton. He even spoke to Rooney about the decision before completing the deal. The signing is a major coup for Moyes, though it raises questions about how the manager will fit him into the side. Grealish has spent most of his top-flight career on the left wing, a position already occupied by key performers like Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil. This could see increased competition for the central attacking role or force positional changes until a right-winger is brought in. Given Moyes' tactical demands, Grealish may also need to adapt his game defensively if deployed centrally.
