Everton Hopeful Of Retaining Jack Grealish Beyond Current Loan

Everton want to keep Jack Grealish past this season but consider the $67.3M purchase option in his current Manchester City loan agreement too steep, according to sources familiar with the club’s thinking. A second loan spell is viewed as the more realistic path forward. Talks over any new arrangement are not expected to begin until after the 2025-26 campaign concludes. Grealish, 30, has been sidelined since January 18 following foot surgery and is unlikely to feature again this season. “It’s really disappointing for the player, as for the club and all of us here because he’s such an important part,” manager David Moyes said in January. “He’s a big character, big experience for us and we’ll miss him. He’s done a lot of good things for us.” Before his injury, Grealish made 20 Premier League appearances for the Merseyside club, contributing two goals and six assists from the left wing. He has remained at Everton for his rehabilitation rather than returning to City, an uncommon arrangement that signals mutual goodwill. Grealish joined Manchester City in August 2021 for a then-British record £100 million fee. After playing a role in their 2021-22 treble, he fell out of favor under Pep Guardiola last season, earning just seven Premier League starts. His $300,000 weekly wage and the fact he enters the final year of his City contract this summer further complicate a permanent transfer. He has also been absent from the England squad since October 2024, with no call-up forthcoming under coach Thomas Tuchel.