Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Mon 1 June 2026 18:10, UK

Jack Grealish proved fantastic in the early days of his Everton career, with the Toffees left with a difficult decision to make this summer.

Both on and off the pitch, the versatile attacker has made a huge difference at Finch Farm.

One of the best creators in the Premier League before his January injury, he would remain a strong influence behind the scenes while on the sidelines.

In recent weeks, it has been reported that Enzo Maresca is willing to hand the 30-year-old a lifeline at Manchester City.

As a result, the Toffees need to make up their minds now as to whether he is someone they are willing to splash the cash on this summer.

Manchester City scenario leaves Everton with tricky decision

Recently, reports have suggested that Grealish will be a part of Man City’s pre-season under Maresca and will have a second chance to impress.

However, this does not increase his chances of remaining at the Etihad, with a guaranteed starting spot unlikely given the form of Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku at the back end of the recent campaign.

With this in mind, Everton may have to make their own minds up sooner rather than later, not letting the situation drag on long enough to a point where he is back training under Maresca.

Throughout the season, the story surrounding Grealish has changed, with different price tags mooted as a result of his form and injury, with the Toffees previously keen to negotiate a lower fee.

After a dismal end to the season, Blues boss David Moyes has come under fire from the fanbase, with pressure piling on him ahead of next season.

Everton simply need to be in and around the race for Europe, and will be desperate for a strong start.

Thanks to this, Moyes will want and need the core of his squad prepared and ready to get the ball rolling from day one of pre-season, as they look to climb the standings after a disappointing 13th-place finish.

Is Jack Grealish worth it for Everton?

This is where the difficult decision comes in for Everton.

If they wish, this whole saga could be ended in a matter of moments, should they activate the £ 50million option included in the loan deal.

But, the question is whether this would be a deal struck purely on sentiment, or the value he would bring back to Hill Dickinson Stadium?

There has been suggestions that the price could be reduced significantly, though.

What felt very much like a last-chance saloon move saw Grealish finally hit levels close to his best in the early days of his Everton career on Merseyside.

However, injury quickly took that progress away. Everton do not want to spend a shedload of money on someone who turns 31 in September, with no guarantee he will immediately hit the ground running after a long spell on the sidelines.

At the same time, his influence around the club has been huge at Finch Farm, and he is someone the fans would love to see pulling on the colours again.

Unfortunately, it is a decision the Toffees simply cannot allow to drag on and risk letting the summer go to waste as they prepare a squad capable of fighting for Europe again.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.