Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has joined Everton on loan for the 2025-26 season in an effort to reignite his career following a difficult spell at the Etihad.
The 29-year-old struggled for game time under Pep Guardiola last season, making only seven Premier League starts. His exclusion from City’s squad for the Club World Cup in the United States served as a strong indication that he was no longer in Guardiola’s plans.
Everton completed the deal for Grealish, whose weekly wages are reported to be £300,000 ($402,000), just days before their new Premier League campaign kicks off away to Leeds on August 18.
“I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton—it’s massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans,” Grealish said.
The England international has chosen the number 18 shirt at Everton as a tribute to his footballing idols Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, both of whom wore the same number for the club.
“My two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne and I know they both wore number 18 here,” he said. “I spoke to Wayne before I came here and I mentioned that to him—about the number 18—so I hope he’s happy as well.”
Grealish moved to City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a then-British record transfer fee of £100 million. During his time in Manchester, he has won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the Champions League. However, his influence waned after playing a key role in City’s treble-winning 2022-23 campaign.
After being left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad, a decision he described as “heartbreaking”—and facing criticism over his personal life, including reports of late-night drinking, Grealish will now aim to rediscover his best form at Everton and push for a World Cup call-up in 2026.
“As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go,” Grealish said. “On social media, I’ve been flooded with messages from Everton supporters, so there’s that side of it as well and that’s another reason why I chose Everton. I want to say thank you to the fans for all of the messages I’ve had already. Thank you for all of the love and support. I hope I can repay you now and I’m sure I will.”
Everton, who recently moved from Goodison Park to their new Hill Dickinson stadium, have made Grealish their marquee arrival in what has otherwise been a quiet transfer window for manager David Moyes.
“We welcome Jack to Everton and we’re very pleased to have him on board,” Moyes said. “I think we’re getting him at a good time because he’s experienced, he understands the Premier League and we’re all fully aware of the levels he’s capable of performing to. I know Jack’s ambition is to get back into the England squad, so hopefully we can help him achieve that over the course of the season.”
What you should know
Jack Grealish, once the most expensive British signing, has joined Everton on loan from Manchester City after a disappointing season under Pep Guardiola.
Choosing the number 18 shirt in honour of Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, Grealish hopes the move will help him regain form, earn an England recall, and become a central figure for Everton in their new stadium.
