In a move that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, Jack Grealish has completed a season-long loan to Everton from Manchester City, aiming to reignite his career and secure a spot in England's squad for the 2026 World Cup. (https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/everton-sign-grealish-season-long-loan-2025-08-12/?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/everton-sign-grealish-season-long-loan-2025-08-12/?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">reuters.com)
Grealish, who became the most expensive British player in history with his £100 million transfer to City in 2021, has faced a challenging period at the Etihad. Limited to just seven league starts last season and omitted from both City's Club World Cup squad and England's Euro 2024 team, the 29-year-old is eager to rediscover his form. (https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/everton-sign-grealish-season-long-loan-2025-08-12/?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/everton-sign-grealish-season-long-loan-2025-08-12/?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">reuters.com)
The decision to join Everton was significantly influenced by a conversation with Wayne Rooney, a club legend who previously donned the number 18 shirt—a number Grealish has now chosen to wear. Grealish expressed his admiration, stating, "My two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, and I know they both wore number 18 here." (https://www.everton.news/jack-grealish-shares-secret-conversation-with-wayne-rooney-ahead-of-everton-move/?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.everton.news/jack-grealish-shares-secret-conversation-with-wayne-rooney-ahead-of-everton-move/?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">everton.news)
Rooney has long been an admirer of Grealish's talents, once remarking, "Jack Grealish is the closest thing I’ve seen to Gazza on a football pitch." (https://metro.co.uk/2021/06/13/wayne-rooney-hails-man-utd-transfer-target-england-euro-2021-jack-grealish-14762486/?utm_source=openai" alt="https://metro.co.uk/2021/06/13/wayne-rooney-hails-man-utd-transfer-target-england-euro-2021-jack-grealish-14762486/?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">metro.co.uk)
Everton manager David Moyes is optimistic about Grealish's impact, noting, "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." (https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/everton-sign-grealish-season-long-loan-2025-08-12/?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/everton-sign-grealish-season-long-loan-2025-08-12/?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">reuters.com)
The loan agreement includes an option for Everton to make the move permanent for £50 million. As the Toffees prepare to move into their new 52,769-seat stadium, the acquisition of Grealish signals their ambition to compete at the highest levels. (https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/everton-sign-grealish-season-long-loan-2025-08-12/?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/everton-sign-grealish-season-long-loan-2025-08-12/?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">reuters.com)
Grealish's journey at Everton will be closely watched, as he seeks to emulate the legacies of his idols and reclaim his place on the international stage.
