(Credit: Imago/Tung - Breaking Media and Imago)
(Credit: Imago/Tung - Breaking Media and Imago)
Match

Everton ‘unlikely’ to seal stunning Jack Grealish swoop as Manchester City lay out demands 

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Jack Grealish has been a stunning signing for Everton so far this season.

Despite the 2025/26 campaign only just getting underway, the winger has already picked up four Premier League assists.

As a result, Grealish won the Premier League Player of the Month for August as he won further plaudits for his performances.

Now, as Everton eye to acquire the Manchester City loanee permanently, they may struggle to do so on their terms.

Everton star Jack Grealish looking confused.
Jack Grealish has been a sensational signing for Everton (Credit: Imago)

This article includes exclusive comment from former Everton scout Bryan King.

Bryan King: Man City won’t let Jack Grealish go for free

Reports emerged last week that Everton were looking to sign Grealish on a free transfer.

This was, although both clubs agreed on a £50million buy option for the winger at the end of his loan.

It is believed that Everton will still struggle to pay this, with his reported £12million-a-year salary proving to be a problem.

Now, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Goodison News, states that he believes Man City will demand a fee to depart with the winger and won't let him leave on a free.

  • Grealish was unwanted at Man City after falling out of favour
  • Everton signed the winger on loan this summer with an option to buy
  • However, the Toffees reportedly want to sign Grealish on a free transfer

“I can’t see City doing that myself,” King said. “There are enough big earners over there. Business is business for them; if they can get half of the money that they laid out for him, then I would say that’s not a bad deal for them.

“He was part of the team that won everything, and he more than paid them back; he’s just fallen out of favour.

“It’s only been four games, so anything can happen in the next four games.

“It’s been a good move for him, because he’s under a manager who knows him, speaks his language, and he’s now become a big fish in a relatively small pond again.

“Good players will settle in anywhere. He’s certainly proving that he’s worth the investment.”

Pep Guardiola
Jack Grealish fell out of favour under Pep Guardiola at Man City (Credit: Imago)

Everton need to keep Jack Grealish no matter the cost 

No matter how much Grealish could cost Everton, the Toffees have to go through with signing the winger permanently.

Already this season, the 30-year-old has proven that he is still a top player. Therefore, if he can replicate these performances across a season, it could be game-changing.

An elite star like Grealish is exactly what Everton needs if they are to return to Europe.

As a result, even if Everton currently can’t afford Grealish’s £50m buy option, they have to find a way by next summer.

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Jack Grealish
Bryan King
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