Everton could take ‘bigger gamble’ on Jack Grealish as cut-price deal expected
Everton could take a bigger gamble on Jack Grealish in the future after signing him on loan from Man City.
Grealish will follow in Paul Gascoigne and Wayne Rooney’s footsteps by wearing the number 18 shirt with the Toffees.
Everton will pay half of his £ 300,000-a-week wages to Man City as he looks to revive his career on Merseyside.
However, the biggest gamble for the North West club could be to come after details of the move unravelled.
This article includes exclusive comments from football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley.
Potential Grealish risk highlighted at Everton
Everton can sign Grealish for £50million next summer if they decide to take up the option in the deal.
While that would be half of what City paid for him, it would represent the biggest deal in the Toffees’ history.
Football finance expert Dan Plumley – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – has addressed the potential fee.
“I think that’s ultimately a bigger gamble than the loan deal,” he said.
“If you look at where Grealish will be at the end of that loan deal, and get a phenomenal player, as we’ve said, and still got some potential, but I think he’ll be 31 by the end of that loan deal, and £50m seems a big amount to break their own transfer record.
“For that deal, I think that seems unlikely at this stage. Let’s see how it goes this season.
- Grealish joined Man City for £100m
- His value has decreased amid his dwindling minutes and performance
“I’ll be expecting that figure to be more in the £20-30m range if I’m being honest, but it would be a huge play from them in a year’s time if it plays out like that.
“I think that at this point in time, it would be a bigger gamble to take than the one they took to take him on loan.
“Obviously, it’ll be dictated by what happens on the pitch this season, but that’s a huge fee if they stretch to that amount in a year’s time.
Read more: ‘David Moyes spells out clear message to Jack Grealish’ after Everton seal loan deal
Would £50m be too much to pay for Grealish?
Given that the forward would be 30 years old after his loan ends, turning 31 in September, £50m does feel like a lot for the Englishman.
Of course, Ronaldo, Harry Kane, and Neymar were all signed for north of that figure at age 30 or over.
However, Grealish is not on the same level as those names and would have to enjoy a stellar season to command that figure.
The likelihood is that Everton would try to negotiate a lower fee if they wish, but many factors must first play out.
All Grealish can do is perform to his best and give the Merseyside club a decision to make next summer.
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