Jack Grealish has completed a season-long loan move to Everton from Manchester City, reuniting with manager David Moyes on Merseyside. The 30-year-old winger is scheduled for a medical on 1 September 2026, with the transfer expected to be finalized before the 23:00 BST deadline on Tuesday. Everton are simultaneously closing in on a £40 million deal for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, though the move faced complications after a medical issue on deadline day.
Grealish previously spent the 2025-26 campaign at Everton under a similar arrangement, contributing two goals and six assists across 20 appearances before sustaining a stress fracture to his foot in January that ended his season. According to reports on the agreement, Everton are expected to cover approximately 90 percent of Grealish's weekly wage package, which stands at close to £300,000.
Grealish expressed his preference to return to Everton despite interest from multiple clubs, including his boyhood club Aston Villa. "I think I'm at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved," Grealish said. "That's what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me and especially what the fans have given me. Every time I see an Everton fan, it's just pure love and the way they've welcomed me since that first game against Leeds, I'll never forget that."
Why Grealish chose Everton over other suitors
Grealish had attracted interest from multiple clubs, but expressed a clear preference to rejoin Everton. Angus Kinnear, the Toffees' chief executive, confirmed that the club had remained in contact with Grealish throughout the process. The England international has made only two substitute appearances for Manchester City this season, featuring in their Community Shield defeat to Arsenal on 16 August and a Premier League victory against Bournemouth, but was absent from their 4-1 win at Crystal Palace on Friday. During his previous spell at Everton, Grealish won the Premier League Player of the Month for August.
How does Grealish fit into Everton's transfer strategy?
The Merseyside club are actively strengthening their attacking options ahead of the deadline. Winger Iliman Ndiaye, aged 26, is expected to complete a £65 million transfer to Manchester City, creating space in Everton's forward line. Alongside Grealish's return, Everton are pursuing additional reinforcements, with a £40 million deal for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun advancing significantly. However, the Balogun move faced complications after a medical issue on deadline day, prompting Everton to submit a deal sheet before the transfer window closed at 23:00 BST, allowing them further time to finalise formalities with Monaco. Balogun, aged 25, emerged as a late target after Guinea-Bissau frontman Beto completed a permanent move to Serie A club Fiorentina. Everton had also explored moves for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa frontman Tammy Abraham, but were unable to convince either to join. Their attempt to re-sign Brazil striker Richarlison from Tottenham has encountered difficulties over personal terms.
What other business is Everton conducting before the deadline?
The club have completed a £4.3 million agreement to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from French side Lyon. The 29-year-old former Arsenal player has earned five caps for England and can operate as a full-back or in midfield, providing tactical flexibility to Sean Dyche's squad. Scotland defender Nathan Patterson, aged 24, has completed a permanent move to Serie A side Torino, joining the Italian club after making 68 appearances across all competitions for Everton since January 2022. Dutch full-back Kenny Tete, 30, had been linked with a £9.4 million move from Fulham for a second consecutive summer, but that proposed transfer appeared to depend on Fulham securing a suitable replacement.
What is Grealish's record at Manchester City?
Since joining Manchester City from Aston Villa for £100 million in August 2021, Grealish has established himself as a key player in Enzo Maresca's squad. He has made 159 appearances for City and won three Premier League titles, a Champions League medal, and an FA Cup during his time at the Etihad Stadium. His previous loan spell at Everton demonstrated his ability to contribute meaningfully in the Premier League outside of City's system, and the club are confident he can replicate that form during his second stint.
When will Everton's next match take place?
Everton are scheduled to host Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday at 14:00 BST, giving the club limited time to complete their transfer business before facing one of their traditional rivals.
Key Facts
- Grealish made two goals and six assists in 20 appearances during his first loan spell at Everton in 2025-26 before a foot injury ended his season
- Everton are covering approximately 90 percent of Grealish's £300,000-per-week wage package under the loan agreement
- The transfer must be completed before the 23:00 BST deadline on Tuesday, 1 September 2026
- Everton have completed the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon and the permanent departure of Nathan Patterson to Torino
- Manchester City are acquiring Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for £65 million as part of the broader transfer activity
