Credit: Imago

Danny Wright

Thu 11 December 2025 16:10, UK

It would be an understatement to say that Jack Grealish’s summer loan move from Manchester City to Everton has been a success.

Grealish, 30, has scored twice and assisted four goals in 14 Premier League appearances since arriving at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, helping David Moyes‘ side up to seventh in the table.

Everton have the option to sign Grealish on a permanent basis in the summer, with an agreement in place for a £50million move.

However, that isn’t a mandatory fee, and it’s been recently suggested by Alan Nixon that a deal that takes the ex-Aston Villa playmaker to Merseyside permanently could cost as little as £30million.

But recent speculation leads us to think that it might make sense for Everton to sign Grealish permanently as early as the January transfer window.

Everton need to sign Jack Grealish ASAP

It’ll be a huge shock if Everton aren’t the only team who try to sign Grealish in 2026.

The England international’s form warrants a lot of attention – unfortunately for the Blues.

And with Manchester City not looking as though they miss him, there’ll be every chance that they will be willing to cash in at some point, either in January or next summer.

Grealish’s 2025-26 Premier League stats, courtesy of Sofascore:

• Expected Goals (xG): 1.25
• Goal conversion: 13%
• Expected Assists (xA): 3.24
• Touches p/game: 50.2
• Key passes p/game: 2.2
• Big chances created: 4
• Dribble success: 32%

For Everton, it makes a lot of sense to sign Grealish in January.

While the fee could be a bit higher than the aforementioned £30m that Man City could want, it would stop other clubs from trying to hijack Moyes’ attempts to keep the Brummie superstar.

And it can also open up the possibility of more arrivals in January.

• Read more: What Moyes has said already about signing Grealish permanently

Jack Grealish is the key to unlocking Man City treasure chest

Grealish isn’t the only Manchester City player linked with a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2026, with defender Nathan Ake also said to be on Everton’s radar.

Former scout Bryan King believes it would be an “ideal move” for Ake to join Everton, and it’s easy to see why.

The 57-time Netherlands international has heaps of Premier League experience, helping Man City win six titles and playing 242 times in the English top flight as a player for the Citizens, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Watford.

He’s only managed seven league appearances this term for City, but stats provided by Sofascore still paint a pretty picture for the colossal centre-back.

Jarrad Branthwaite‘s injury issues have left Moyes in need of defensive reinforcements this season, and it’s been reported that Ake can be a cost-effective option in January for £26million.

Kalvin Phillips on loan to beef up Everton’s midfield

And this is why Everton should look to sign Grealish and Ake on permanent deals in January, because they can then seal a loan deal for Kalvin Phillips.

Although the ex-Leeds midfielder hasn’t played at all in the Premier League this season, Phillips is someone who everyone knows can do a good job when he’s been given the opportunity.

He was one of the stars of the show at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa and went on to play a pivotal role in England reaching the European Championships final in 2021.

While he’s not played much at all since then and was part of the Ipswich team that got relegated last season, Football Insider has claimed that Everton are keen on Phillips ahead of January.

It really wouldn’t hurt for Moyes to add another experienced head to his squad to beef up his midfield ahead of a run-in that could see the Blues qualify for Europe if they’re able to keep up their current run of form.

Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Everton news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @goodisonnews