Jack Grealish returns to Everton on loan in bid to revive Manchester City career

Jack Grealish has rejoined Everton on loan from Manchester City, giving the England international another chance to rebuild his career on Merseyside after injury disrupted his first spell at the club.

The 30-year-old attacking midfielder made 20 Premier League appearances for Everton last season, scoring twice and creating six goals. He was named Everton’s Player of the Month in August, but a foot injury brought his campaign to an early end in February and ended his hopes of being selected for England’s World Cup squad.

Grealish’s return comes after he slipped down the pecking order at Manchester City. He has made only two competitive appearances for Enzo Maresca’s side this season, entering as a substitute against Arsenal in the Community Shield and Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Those appearances amounted to 53 minutes, with Grealish unable to register either a goal or an assist. He was left out of the squad for last weekend’s match.

The player said the welcome he received from Everton supporters was a key factor behind his decision to return to the club.

“It feels so good. I’m so happy. I think I’m at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved,” he told Everton TV.

“That’s what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me and especially what the fans have given me.

“Every time I see an Everton fan, it’s just pure love and the way they’ve welcomed me since that first game against Leeds, I’ll never forget that. It means a lot to me and hopefully I’ve made a few Everton fans happy.”

Grealish still has one year remaining on his Manchester City contract. He joined the club from Aston Villa in 2021 for £100m.

During his time at City, he made 159 appearances and scored 17 goals, while winning seven major honours. His medal collection includes three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

His most prominent contribution came during Manchester City’s historic Treble-winning campaign in 2022/23. He played an important role as Pep Guardiola’s team secured the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, and started both the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the Champions League final against Inter Milan.

Grealish was also involved when City won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2023. He then helped the club become the first English men’s team to win four successive Premier League titles.

Everton have made an encouraging start to the new Premier League season. They defeated Crystal Palace and drew with Bournemouth, leaving them seventh in the early standings.

The loan move offers Grealish the opportunity to play regularly and recover the consistency that made him a key figure at Manchester City and an England contender. He will now hope a full season at Everton can put him back into contention for international selection.