Jack Grealish’s Everton Loan: A New Chapter Begins
Jack Grealish Seals Season-Long Loan to Everton
Jack Grealish, the England international and Manchester City winger, has officially joined Everton on a season-long loan for the 2025-26 campaign. The move, finalized on August 13, 2025, marks a significant shift in the Premier League landscape as Grealish seeks to reignite his career at Goodison Park.
Struggles at Manchester City Lead to Change
Grealish’s time at Manchester City last season was marked by limited opportunities. Under Pep Guardiola, the 29-year-old found himself on the fringes, making only seven Premier League starts throughout the 2024-25 season. His absence from City’s Club World Cup squad further fueled speculation about his future at the club. Despite his technical ability and creativity, Grealish was unable to secure a regular starting role in a squad packed with attacking talent.
With competition from the likes of Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Bernardo Silva, Grealish’s minutes were restricted. His struggles to adapt to Guardiola’s tactical demands and the intense competition for places ultimately led to the decision to seek more consistent playing time elsewhere.
Everton’s Ambition and Grealish’s Motivation
Everton’s pursuit of Grealish signals the club’s ambition to climb the Premier League table and re-establish themselves as a force in English football. The Toffees, under manager Sean Dyche, have been searching for a creative spark to complement their hard-working squad. Grealish’s arrival is seen as a statement of intent, with the club eager to build on last season’s mid-table finish.
Grealish himself expressed excitement about the move, emphasizing Everton’s rich history and passionate supporters. “Everton is a club with tradition and incredible fans. I’m looking forward to playing at Goodison Park and giving everything for the shirt,” he said in his first interview as an Everton player.
The Significance of the Number 18 Shirt
One of the most talked-about aspects of Grealish’s move is his choice of shirt number. He will wear the number 18, a tribute to two of his footballing idols: Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne. Both legends wore the same number during their time at Everton, and Grealish has spoken openly about their influence on his playing style and career.
“Growing up, I admired the way Rooney and Gascoigne played the game—fearless, creative, and always entertaining. Wearing the number 18 at Everton is a huge honor for me,” Grealish commented. This gesture has already endeared him to the Everton faithful, who remember both players fondly.
Financial Details and Contract Terms
The loan deal reportedly includes a weekly wage of £300,000 for Grealish, making him one of the highest earners in Everton’s history. While Manchester City will cover a portion of his salary, Everton’s willingness to invest in Grealish underlines their determination to compete with the Premier League’s elite.
The agreement does not currently include an option to buy, but sources suggest that Everton may seek to negotiate a permanent transfer if Grealish impresses during his loan spell. For now, the focus is on making an immediate impact as Everton prepare for their Premier League opener against Leeds United on August 18.
What Grealish Brings to Everton
Grealish is renowned for his dribbling, vision, and ability to unlock defenses. At Aston Villa, he was the creative heartbeat of the team, and his performances earned him a high-profile move to Manchester City in 2021. Although his time at City was mixed, his talent is unquestioned. Everton fans will hope that Grealish can recapture his best form and provide the attacking impetus the team has sometimes lacked.
His experience at the highest level, including international tournaments with England, will be invaluable in the dressing room. Grealish’s leadership and flair could inspire a new generation of Everton players and help the club push for European qualification.
Reaction from Fans and Pundits
The announcement of Grealish’s loan has generated excitement among Everton supporters, many of whom see the move as a turning point for the club. Social media has been abuzz with messages of welcome and optimism for the season ahead. Football pundits have also weighed in, with some suggesting that Grealish’s style is well-suited to Everton’s attacking philosophy under Dyche.
Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell commented, “Jack Grealish is a top-quality player. If he can find his rhythm at Everton, he’ll be a huge asset. The fans will love his creativity and commitment.”
Looking Ahead: Grealish’s Role in the 2025-26 Season
As Everton prepare to face Leeds United in their opening fixture, all eyes will be on Grealish to see how quickly he can adapt to his new surroundings. The club’s supporters are hopeful that his arrival will mark the beginning of a successful era at Goodison Park.
For Grealish, the loan represents an opportunity to play regular football, rediscover his best form, and remind everyone of his quality. If he succeeds, both Everton and the player could benefit immensely from this high-profile move.
For more on this developing story, visit BBC Sport and Sky Sports.