Everton weighing up Jack Grealish loan return as transfer window accelerates

Everton are actively exploring a deal to bring Jack Grealish back to Merseyside, with discussions under way with Manchester City over another loan move, according to The Athletic. It is a development that fits into a wider and increasingly busy summer for David Moyes, as the club continue shaping their squad for the new campaign at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton and, despite a campaign disrupted by the foot injury he suffered in January, there has remained an appetite inside the club to revisit the arrangement. The 30-year-old managed 22 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and six assists before the stress fracture halted his momentum. That output only tells part of the story, with Everton valuing his ability to carry the ball, draw pressure and bring control in advanced areas.

Jack Grealish talks suit Everton transfer needs

The timing is notable. Everton’s wide options are in flux, and several moving parts around the market appear to be influencing this conversation. Earlier in the window, City held interest in Iliman Ndiaye, while Everton were keen on a structure that could have aided Grealish’s return. Since then, the picture has shifted, with Tottenham now moving towards Ndiaye and City focusing attention elsewhere in the attacking market.

That leaves Everton pressing on with a route that may still be achievable if the financial terms are workable. Grealish has featured only briefly since returning to City, appearing from the bench in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and the Premier League win over Bournemouth, before then being left out of the squad entirely for the victory at Crystal Palace. Read in context, that tends to suggest his place in Pep Guardiola’s plans remains uncertain.

Everton squad rebuild continues on multiple fronts

There is broader context here too. City have already sanctioned major changes in their squad, and movement in attacking positions has been substantial. Everton, meanwhile, are not standing still. A deal in principle has been reached for Richarlison to return, while the club have also looked into Fulham right-back Kenny Tete as they continue to assess solutions in defence.

Just as significant is the decision to resist Nottingham Forest’s approach for Harrison Armstrong. Talks had taken place over a potential £40m move, but Everton’s stance points to a club trying to strengthen without sacrificing one of its most promising young midfielders. In that sense, a renewed push for Jack Grealish would reflect a recruitment strategy aimed at adding proven top-level quality while keeping emerging talent in place.

Our View

From an Everton supporter’s perspective, this feels like one worth pursuing, provided the numbers are sensible. Grealish may not have had a perfect loan spell last season, but there were enough flashes to suggest he can still be a major asset in a Moyes side. When he was fit, he gave Everton something different, composure on the ball, the ability to slow the game when needed and the quality to create openings against set defences.

The injury is the obvious concern, and at 30 there has to be realism about managing his minutes. Even so, if this is another loan rather than a permanent commitment, it looks like a smart market opportunity. Everton do not need every signing to be long term if the player can improve the team immediately and help raise the level around the squad.

Supporters will also like the bigger picture if Richarlison returns and Armstrong stays. That starts to look like a team being built with identity, energy and a bit of edge. Add Grealish to that and there is genuine reason for optimism. He knows the environment already, he would not need much adaptation time and, crucially, he looks like a player Everton could get the best from if he feels trusted. For a club wanting to push on quickly in a new home, that matters.