Michael Kenrick 27/08/2026 9comments  |  Jump to last

The BBC is reporting that Jack Grealish's preference would be to return to Everton should he leave Manchester City in the remaining days of the transfer window.

Everton have invested a huge amount into his extended recovery since sustaining a stress fracture in January, and he remained in this environment right through much of the summer, before eventually returning to Manchester City after Pep Guardiola had finally left. 

Grealish made a great start on loan at Everton last season, scoring twice and providing 6 assists in his early games for the club. But he became increasingly less effective as defenders seemed to know exactly what he would try to do as the game slowed to a crawl when he would get the ball wide left, and be double- or triple-teamed by stalwart defenders.

Everton had the chance to convert his loan deal into a permanent one for the cool sum of £50M that would have made him the most expensive incoming player in the club's history. But that, and presumably the prospect of having to match his incredible £300k weekly wages, was ultimately declined by the club, and he returned to Manchester City in time for pre-season training under Enzo Maresca.

It's unclear just how much Maresca values him as part of the City squad, as he said on Thursday: "Jack is here. Until the day he is, it my duty to try and help him to give us the best. In the next four, five days, we will see what happens. I speak with Jack almost every day." 

The 30-year-old winger has appeared as a substitute in City's opening two games of the season, but it is believed that Maresca is open to letting the Englishman leave the club before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

 

 

Reader Comments (9)

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Steve Brown
1 Posted 27/08/2026 at 12:02:26
“Jack Grealish's preference would be to return to Everton should he leave Manchester City in the remaining days of the transfer window, sources have told BBC Sport.”

If this happens then Dibling should go out on a season’s loan to a European team to develop.

We did this with Branthwaite and he came back to be a first-team regular.
Jim Bennings
2 Posted 27/08/2026 at 12:09:29
Seems like something that could really happen on deadline day if anything now.

I can't see City wanting to keep him just hanging around much more and paying the wages so they'd probably be wanting to move Jack on.

I hope it happens but somehow now I can't really envisage anymore incomings, what with the Delap prospect off the table and no real progress on a right back, there's only Grealish really left now to do a deal for.
Eric Myles
3 Posted 27/08/2026 at 12:30:05
Given up on a right back Jim?
Andrew Ellams
4 Posted 27/08/2026 at 12:35:11
Why though? We have two experienced but younger wide players in N'Diaye and Johnson and two younger players we need to develop in George and Dibling. Why do we need a fifth who's on his way down?
Terry Downes
5 Posted 27/08/2026 at 12:42:49
If we have him he could be used behind Barry as a 10 he doesn’t have to be on the wing, I’m sure with his passing ability he would be a bonus more than a negative one ?
Still think we need another forward though maybe Richy would fit in on a cheaper scale ?
Andy Meighan
6 Posted 27/08/2026 at 12:43:28
5 days to go and still no right back.

The clock is ticking Kinnear, you promised us a right back, you still haven't delivered on your promise.

As for Grealish id take him back in a heartbeat, and as Steve says loan Dibling out, the lad looks weak on the ball and short of confidence.
Bill Gall
7 Posted 27/08/2026 at 12:52:25
Do we really need him, would it not be better to throw everything we have at a position that is needed and that is a right back. We have wingers and backups why waste money on a position we do not need.
I think signing Grealish, even though he is a good player, we are starting to get into the wrong market. Everton are starting to look like they are on track in the rebuilding program and signing Grealish is a miss use of any transfer money we have while still using other players at right back that would be better in the positions they where bought for. Even though he scored last night I still believe we need a more consistent #9 than what we have, so do not waste money on positions we have coverage for GET A RIGHT BACK.
Steve Brown
8 Posted 27/08/2026 at 12:53:34
Andrew @ 4,

2 goals and 6 assists in 20 appearances for us. We don’t have that productivity elsewhere in the squad.

Only Illy came close to those numbers, and played 14 games more to get there.
Peter Gorman
9 Posted 27/08/2026 at 12:54:35
Before the summer I'd have said absolutely yes to signing a player of Grealish's quality.

How often do you get a player of his ability so keen to come?

But now, having seen the boy George in his form and the signing of Johnson, I'm thinking maybe not, I prefer the pace of our current play and don't want it to slow back down.

I'd be happy either way

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