Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Wed 1 April 2026 16:40, UK Updated Wed 1 April 2026 17:08, UK

Everton are keen to keep Jack Grealish at the Hill Dickinson Stadium beyond this season, but Manchester City will have to “play ball” if a deal is to happen.

The winger joined the Toffees on loan last summer after falling out of favour at the Etihad, quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite on Merseyside.

Despite his campaign being cut short by injury in January, Grealish’s impact both on and off the pitch under David Moyes has left Everton hopeful of securing a permanent deal.

With a £50million option to buy included in the deal, negotiations are expected to take place between the two clubs to make the purchase possible.

Andy Gray believes that Manchester City have to be prepared to play their part in the negotiations ahead of the summer.

Andy Gray outlines Manchester City role in Jack Grealish deal

Having a big impact both on and off the field, Grealish has become a fan favourite, and has always been the first to share the love for his teammates during his time out on the sidelines.

Former striker Gray believes that Everton have a real chance of signing the versatile attacker permanently, but only if City lower their demands.

“I know Jack’s dad well, and I know Jack, and I speak to Jack’s dad often. Everton fans love him,” Gray told the Liverpool Echo.

“He’s a massive coup in respect of merchandise. If we take away the football, the kids love him. They want a shirt with his name on the back. He’s massive like that. Jack’s problem is his age. He’s 30 years of age, and City are not getting £50m from anyone. Not a chance.”

Signing for City in 2021 for a then British record £100m fee, the former Aston Villa man struggled to get going for large parts of his career under Pep Guardiola, and despite his obvious quality, a more suitable price would have to be negotiated given his age.

“So I think that if they were to play ball, I think there’s definitely a figure that Everton would go to to keep Jack, but it’s not £50m,” added Gray.

“I think if they insist on £50m, then he’ll be back at Man City. I would hope he’s not, but as I say, that will be down to them.”

Grealish could make a huge difference in further Everton development

For the first time since Carlo Ancelotti’s departure in 2021, Everton have undergone a full season far away from any relegation troubles.

Sitting eighth in the Premier League, the Toffees are well placed to go on and achieve European qualification for the first time since 2017.

As demonstrated by the Sofascore graphic below, Grealish’s early form has played a huge part in this, with the winger operating at a level much closer to his best on Merseyside.

An important character in the dressing room and someone experienced at the highest level, Grealish could make a huge difference as they aim to continue climbing up the standings in the coming years. 

Everton have begun a new era at their fantastic new stadium, so keeping hold of players such as Grealish is a huge statement when it comes to their summer recruitment, while investment from the Friedkin Group will likely enter a new stratosphere should Moyes’ side qualify for Europe.