Everton could sign perfect Jack Grealish alternative who plays like Morgan Rogers
Everton’s alarming slump in form can be addressed by some smart January additions, and of course, the return of their key players from injury and AFCON.
Everton were knocked out of the FA Cup by Sunderland on penalties this weekend, with the Toffees now only playing for a European finish in 2025/26.
Ahead of their visit to Aston Villa next weekend, the Merseyside giants find themselves four points behind fifth-place Brentford, the team they recently lost 4-2 against.
An unlikely win at Villa Park would place David Moyes’ men back in contention for a place in Europe, but before then, the Scot must make inroads on new signings in the January window.
Everton have Jack Grealish decision to make
Moyes is out to address his lack of attacking firepower this month, most notably a new striker, while shopping for some depth on the flanks.
Everton have sorely missed Iliman Ndiaye cantering down the right wing back since he left for AFCON, while Jack Grealish’s form has suffered without the Senegalese talent.
Grealish was sent off against Wolves in midweek following two bookable offences, and the Manchester City loanee missed the subsequent FA Cup defeat to Sunderland.
The 30-year-old will be available to play against his former club Villa, though, and he will be determined to score in the fixture.
When Moyes captured the England international on loan, it was revealed that Everton could sign Grealish permanently for £50million.
That seemed like a steep price to pay for someone who turns 31 later this year, and it has since emerged that Grealish is available for a cut-price £30m.
Supporters will probably want The Friedkin Group to snap the winger up permanently following his success at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but another option could be the answer.
Everton could sign Ruben Vargas instead of Grealish
Everton were linked with Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas in December, someone younger, cheaper, and arguably better than the Man City ace.
Sevilla placed a minimum £13m asking price on Vargas, who has three goals and four assists in 12 La Liga appearances this term.
| Ruben Vargas 2025/26 La Liga stats |
| 12 appearances |
| 3 goals |
| 4 assists |
| 3 big chances created |
| 1.8 shots per game |
| 4.3 balls recovered per game |
The 58-cap Switzerland has been excellent for the Spanish giants, either cutting in from the left flank or dominating his opposition on the right and is close to returning from a hamstring injury.
Interestingly, his exceptional ball-carrying qualities, pace and decision-making have seen him get compared to Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers.
According to FBref, Rogers is the sixth-most statistically similar player to Vargas across Europe’s top five leagues, and that comparison will surely excite Everton fans.
Rogers has arguably been the best English player in the Premier League this term and has been in unstoppable form for Villa.
So, if Vargas can produce similar levels to the 23-year-old, then he could be a bargain at potentially under £20m.