Everton Agree Jack Grealish Loan Return as Transfer Plans Gather Pace

Everton have moved decisively in the final stages of the window, agreeing a season-long loan deal to bring Jack Grealish back from Manchester City. As first reported by BBC Sport, the 30-year-old is now set for a medical, with the move expected to be completed before Tuesday’s 23:00 BST deadline.

This has felt like a logical outcome for some time. Grealish spent a large part of last season at Goodison Park under a similar arrangement and delivered enough to encourage another move. He scored twice and registered six assists in 20 appearances before a foot injury brought his campaign to an early end in January. Despite interest elsewhere, including from Aston Villa, the winger’s preference was clear. Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear told BBC Radio Merseyside the club had “remained in contact” with Grealish.

Jack Grealish return suits Everton plans

The timing is significant. Iliman Ndiaye, 26, is expected to complete a £65m move to Manchester City, leaving Everton needing to strengthen their attacking depth before the deadline. Grealish offers familiarity, Premier League pedigree and a player already comfortable with the demands of the club.

He joined City from Villa for £100m in August 2021 and has made two appearances for Enzo Maresca’s side this season. He featured in the Community Shield defeat by Arsenal and came off the bench in the opening league win over Bournemouth, but he was absent from the 4-1 victory at Crystal Palace on Friday. That omission only increased the sense that his future lay elsewhere.

Everton transfer news includes Maitland-Niles and Balogun pursuit

Everton’s business is not expected to stop there. A £3m agreement is in place for Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon, adding experience and versatility. The 29-year-old, a former Arsenal player with five England caps, can operate at full-back or in midfield, a profile that tends to appeal when squads need flexible options across a long campaign.

There is also confidence around a move for Monaco and USA forward Folarin Balogun in a £40m deal. If completed, that would represent another notable addition in forward areas and underline Everton’s intent to reshape their attack quickly.

By contrast, a move for Richarlison appears more complicated. Everton’s attempt to re-sign the Brazil striker from Tottenham has “stalled over personal terms”, suggesting that avenue may prove harder to complete before the deadline.

Deadline day could still bring further exits

There may yet be outgoing business too. Scotland defender Nathan Patterson could join Torino, with talks under way between the clubs. It remains unclear whether that would be a loan or a permanent transfer.

Everton also looked to be in contention for Kenny Tete, but his proposed £9.4m move from Fulham appears to have hinged on the London club securing a replacement first. That one now looks less straightforward.

All of it leaves Everton entering the final hours of the market in a position of real activity. Grealish is the headline, and if the paperwork is completed on time, it will be one of the more eye-catching Premier League moves of the week.

Our View

From an Everton perspective, this is a deal that makes a lot of sense. Grealish already knows the environment, the expectations and what is required to perform for this side. There is always some risk when a player returns after injury, but the upside is obvious. He brought control, creativity and personality to Everton’s attack last season, and those qualities can lift the whole team.

Losing Ndiaye for £65m would be a major blow in football terms, even if it is huge money, so bringing Grealish back quickly feels smart. Supporters will look at this and see a club acting with purpose rather than waiting passively. The same applies if Maitland-Niles and Balogun arrive. Those are practical, useful additions that improve depth and offer different solutions.

What will please fans most is that Grealish wanted the move. When a player has options and still chooses Everton, it says plenty about his experience at the club. The quote that the club had “remained in contact” hints at groundwork being done well in advance, and that is encouraging.

If Everton can get Grealish through the door, add another attacking player and avoid any late disruption elsewhere, this could end up being a very productive window. On the pitch, the hope will be simple, that Grealish can stay fit, play regularly and help Everton carry genuine threat going into a demanding Premier League run.