Former Everton defender reveals what he told Jack Grealish this summer over Manchester City future | OneFootball

Jack Grealish has been encouraged to make a move to Everton from Manchester City this summer by one of the Toffees’ former players.

Grealish’s future has been a major talking point throughout the summer, with City open to offers but holding firm on demands. Reports in recent weeks have suggested the club are prepared to sanction a loan, but only if receiving his wages in full – a figure in the region of £300,000-a-week.

Everton, along with West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur, have all been linked, while the likes of Napoli, clubs in the Saudi Pro League, and most recently, Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce have all been tentatively mentioned.

The 29-year-old, who joined City from Aston Villa in the summer of 2021 for a then-British record fee of £100 million, has enjoyed silverware-laden years at the Etihad Stadium, winning multiple Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, and domestic cups.

However, injuries and inconsistent form have seen his influence wane, especially with the rise of younger attacking talents and Pep Guardiola’s tactical evolution. Jack Grealish himself is understood to have accepted that his Manchester City career is nearing an end.

From Everton’s perspective, a move for Grealish would represent a statement signing under David Moyes ahead of their first full season at their brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Toffees are looking to inject attacking quality and creativity into their side as they seek progress in the Premier League.

Speaking to talkSPORT Breakfast this week, former Everton defender Alan Stubbs has claimed he had personally encouraged Jack Grealish to make a move to the formerly Goodison Park club this summer, as speculation over his future continues to circle in the media.

“To be honest, I had a night out with Jack in the summer over in Marbella,” Stubbs revealed. “I tried my best to get him to Everton. I was telling him how much he’d be loved. He’d be an idol at Everton, the fans would really take to him.”

The Goodison Park icon continued, “I think from an Everton point of view, Jack Grealish needs to be loved again, needs to start enjoying his football. And that’s not to say anything about Man City, what he’s done – he’s gone there, won titles, won trophies, but he’s not been the same Jack Grealish we’ve seen at Villa, where he had freedom to be himself.

“I think David Moyes would give him that, he’d absolutely relish it at Everton. And I think we all want to see that Jack Grealish. Even if you’re a fan of any club, you’d all want to see the real quality players do well. And I think Jack Grealish has really gone off the boil, and it’s a shame to see.”

Stubbs’ words may reflect a growing sentiment among Everton fans that Grealish could reignite his career on Merseyside. Moyes’ preference for giving creative players more license to roam could appeal to the Englishman, especially after a season where he struggled for rhythm.

However, the financial package remains the major hurdle. Unless City relax their stance on full wage coverage, a move to Everton – or any other Premier League side – could hinge on compromises from the player’s side. That might involve Grealish accepting a temporary pay cut or City subsidising part of his wages.

As the window enters its decisive weeks, Jack Grealish’s situation remains one of the more intriguing sagas to watch. Whether he takes up Alan Stubbs’ advice and heads to Merseyside, or opts for another challenge in England or abroad, his next step will be pivotal for his career.