David Ornstein: Everton in Talks Over High-Profile Loan from Manchester City | OneFootball

Everton Explore Ambitious Loan for Jack Grealish

Talks Underway for Grealish Loan Deal

Everton have opened negotiations with Manchester City to secure Jack Grealish on a season-long loan, according to a report by The Athletic. While the move is far from certain, discussions are said to be ongoing between the two clubs regarding the future of the 29-year-old England international.

As David Ornstein and Gregg Evans note, “The deal is considered complicated and at this stage there are no guarantees it will materialise.” Nevertheless, this potential move signals Everton’s intent to strengthen their squad significantly ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Grealish endured a frustrating 2024/25 campaign at City, making just seven Premier League starts and failing to appear in the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace. He was also omitted from City’s matchday squad for the final league fixture against Fulham, though Pep Guardiola explained, “It’s nothing personal.”

Guardiola’s Support for Grealish Remains

Guardiola, speaking about Grealish’s situation, remained supportive. “I’m the person who fought for him to come here and the person who fought for him to stay here this season and the next season. I’m the one who said I want Jack Grealish,” the City manager said.

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However, with game-time limited and competition fierce—Phil Foden, Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva all ahead of him—Grealish’s future at City looks increasingly uncertain.

Grealish’s Diminishing Role at Manchester City

After joining City for a record £100 million from Aston Villa in 2021, Grealish was pivotal in their treble-winning 2022/23 campaign, playing 50 matches and starting every Champions League knockout game, including the final. However, since then, his influence has waned.

In each of the past two Premier League seasons, he featured in only 20 league games with minimal output—just one goal and one assist in 2024/25. His omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad and lack of recall by Thomas Tuchel further highlight his fall from prominence.

What This Could Mean for Everton

For Everton, acquiring Grealish—even temporarily—would be a major coup. With his experience and technical ability, he could inject much-needed creativity into David Moyes’ squad, who are aiming to build momentum after a promising U.S. pre-season tour.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Everton supporter’s perspective, the prospect of signing Jack Grealish, even on loan, is both exciting and risky. On one hand, his pedigree is undeniable. A key figure in Manchester City’s most successful era, Grealish has experience at the very highest level—something Everton’s squad has often lacked in recent years.

However, his recent form and injury record are valid concerns. Two seasons with limited impact at City, coupled with his absence from England’s major tournament plans, suggest he’s far from his peak. That said, Everton’s current situation requires bold moves, and Grealish could thrive as a central figure in a system designed to maximise his strengths—dribbling, ball retention, and drawing fouls in key areas.

Supporters might worry about the financial aspects of such a loan, especially wage contributions, but a well-structured deal could pay off. Moyes’ history of reviving careers may also play a part in selling this move to fans. If Grealish views this as a chance to relaunch his international ambitions, Everton could benefit from a motivated player with a point to prove.

Ultimately, while risky, the potential upside makes this an exciting move—one that reflects Everton’s ambition to climb the table and break into the top half again.