Everton are tipped to agree a deal for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish this summer, with a former senior scout claiming the Premier League champions will accept a reduced fee of between £35m and £40m. The 30-year-old spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Goodison Park, where he contributed two goals and six assists in 20 Premier League appearances before a serious foot injury ended his campaign in January.
According to sources close to the club, David Moyes is not convinced by sanctioning a huge fee for Grealish, and any permanent move would need to be at a cut-price. The original loan deal included an option to buy worth £50m, but Everton are confident that a less expensive resolution can be agreed given Grealish's injury and his desire to return to Merseyside.
Jack Grealish's career and impact at Everton
Jack Grealish began his professional career at Aston Villa, where he rose through the academy ranks to become a key player for the club. He made his senior debut in 2014 and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting attacking talents in English football. His performances for Villa earned him a move to Manchester City in August 2021 for a British record fee of £100m.
At City, Grealish won multiple Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, and the FA Cup, but struggled to consistently hold down a starting spot under Pep Guardiola. Despite his talent, he often found himself rotated in and out of the side, leading to speculation about his future. In the summer of 2025, he joined Everton on a season-long loan, with an option to buy.
His impact at Everton was immediate. After just three Premier League appearances, Grealish already had four assists, showcasing his creativity and ability to unlock defences. He formed a strong understanding with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dwight McNeil, helping to transform Everton's attacking play. The team's results improved significantly with him in the side, and they looked set to challenge for a European place before his injury derailed their momentum.
Without Grealish, Everton won just four of their 18 league games, highlighting how crucial he had become to Moyes' system. His absence was keenly felt, and the team's form dipped dramatically. The winger continued to train and recover at Everton's Finch Farm training ground, even though he was technically a Manchester City player. This further indicated his desire to stay at the club.
David Moyes' role and relationship with Grealish
David Moyes, who returned to Everton for a second stint as manager in 2024, has been instrumental in Grealish's revival. The Scottish manager is known for getting the best out of creative players, and he gave Grealish the freedom to express himself on the pitch. Moyes has publicly praised Grealish's attitude and influence, stating that the winger is "incredibly well liked inside and outside the building."
Speaking last month about Grealish's future, Moyes said: "We've got a few plans in place. Finances will obviously play a big part in it so we will need to navigate round the best we can. Obviously we like Jack a lot. We've looked after Jack all the time since his injury. It's looking in good order now, the surgeon speaks very well about it and thinks it's healing greatly."
Moyes' comments suggest that Everton are keen to retain Grealish, but they are aware of the financial constraints. The club has been operating under strict financial fair play regulations, and any big-money signing would need to be carefully structured. However, the reduced fee of £35m to £40m, as predicted by former Everton scout Bryan King, could be within reach.
Bryan King's analysis and financial implications
Bryan King, who served as a senior scout for Everton and is an ally of David Moyes, exclusively told Football Insider that he expects Manchester City to accept a lower fee. "Now, if I'm Everton, I want to get that deal done and dusted if it's going to happen," King said. "I think Grealish, certainly, there'll be a cut price for Grealish, somewhere between £35m and £40m, I would have thought."
King's assessment is based on the fact that Grealish has just one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City are unlikely to risk losing him on a free transfer in 2027, so a discounted sale this summer makes financial sense for all parties. The winger's wages, however, remain a significant factor. Grealish is reportedly on a contract worth around £300,000 per week at Manchester City, and Everton would need to match a substantial portion of that to bring him in permanently.
Everton's financial situation has improved in recent years following new investment and the club's sale to a consortium led by 777 Partners. However, they still need to be prudent with their spending. A deal for Grealish would likely involve a structured payment plan, with add-ons based on appearances and performance. The club may also look to offload some high earners to free up wage budget space.
The impact of Grealish's injury and recovery
Grealish's foot injury, which required surgery, has been a major talking point. Moyes confirmed in January that the winger would miss the rest of the season, but recovery has been progressing well. The manager stated that the surgeon is "very positive" about the healing process, and Grealish is expected to be fully fit by the start of pre-season training.
Despite the setback, Everton have continued to support Grealish throughout his rehabilitation. The club allowed him to use their medical facilities and staff, a gesture that has strengthened his bond with the team and the fans. This level of care is unusual for a loan player, but it reflects how highly the club values him.
If the deal goes through, Grealish would be joining an Everton squad that finished 11th in the Premier League last season. With his creativity and experience, he could be the difference-maker that pushes them into the top half and potentially towards European contention. The fans have already warmed to him, and his permanent signing would be a major statement of intent from the club.
Manchester City's stance and potential alternatives
Manchester City are open to selling Grealish this summer as part of a squad refresh. The club have already brought in new attacking talent, including Brazilian wonderkid Savio, and are looking to reduce their wage bill. Grealish's departure would free up significant funds and a squad place for younger players.
If the Everton deal falls through, there are other suitors. Several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, have been linked with a move for Grealish. However, his preference is believed to be a return to Goodison Park, where he enjoyed his best football since leaving Villa. The emotional connection to the club and the faith shown by Moyes are key factors in his decision.
Everton's pursuit of Grealish is also being driven by the need to add more creativity to the squad. The team struggled to score goals in the second half of the season, and Moyes is determined to find a solution. Grealish's ability to create chances out of nothing and his dribbling skills make him a unique asset. His presence would also take pressure off other attackers, such as Calvert-Lewin and McNeil.
Historical context and comparison
Grealish's potential move to Everton for a reduced fee is reminiscent of other high-profile loan-to-permanent deals in Premier League history. For example, Romelu Lukaku joined Everton on loan from Chelsea in 2013 before making the move permanent the following year for a club-record fee. Similarly, loan deals for players like Jesse Lingard and Ross Barkley have resulted in permanent transfers after successful spells.
Everton have a history of getting the best out of players who have struggled elsewhere. Under Moyes, the club revived the careers of players like Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta, and Phil Jagielka. Grealish fits that mold perfectly. He entered his prime years and needs a stable environment where he can be the main man. Everton can offer him that, along with a passionate fanbase and a manager who believes in him.
The £35m-£40m price tag would represent excellent value for a player of Grealish's caliber. For context, Manchester City paid £100m for him just five years ago. While his market value has dropped due to age and injury, his underlying numbers remain strong. In limited minutes for City, he consistently created chances and completed dribbles at an elite level. For Everton, he showed he could still perform at the highest level when fit.
Club and fan reaction
Everton fans have been vocal in their support for signing Grealish permanently. Social media campaigns and chants at Goodison Park have made it clear that the supporters want him to stay. The club's official Twitter account even shared a video of Grealish waving to fans after a match, which was widely interpreted as a sign of his affection for the club.
The potential deal has also been discussed by pundits and analysts. Many believe that Grealish's best years are ahead of him, provided he can stay fit. His decision to continue training with Everton after his injury shows his commitment to the cause. If the transfer goes through, it would be one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window.
Source: Yahoo Sports News