Manchester City open to Jack Grealish departure amid Everton and Sunderland interest

Manchester City are prepared to let Jack Grealish leave the club before the summer transfer window closes, with Everton and Sunderland both interested in signing the England international.

The 30-year-old is nearing the end of his time at the Etihad Stadium after falling down the pecking order with England, a decline that contributed to his omission from the 2026 World Cup squad.

According to Football Insider, Manchester City will not stand in Grealish’s way if he decides to move before the transfer deadline on Tuesday, 1 September. The club are understood to be willing to allow him to consider the offers available as he weighs up the next stage of his career.

Sunderland, who are competing in the Europa League, have made a surprise late move for Grealish. Their interest has emerged in the final hours of the window, adding another option for a player approaching a significant decision about his future.

Everton are also keen to bring Grealish back to the club following a promising 2025-26 season on loan. Although his time at Goodison Park was affected by fitness problems, he made 22 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and providing six assists.

Everton could hold the advantage in the race for the former Aston Villa player because Manchester City have shown interest in their winger Iliman Ndiaye. Everton are reportedly willing to agree a deal worth £60m plus Grealish in exchange for Ndiaye, a proposal that would put the Merseyside club in a strong position as they attempt to beat Sunderland to the England player’s signature.

Grealish established himself at boyhood club Aston Villa, helping them return to the Premier League under Dean Smith in 2019. He then played a role in ensuring the club re-established itself among the leading sides in English football.

His career later took him to Manchester City, but he returned temporarily to the blue half of Manchester after spending last season on loan at Everton. He now faces what could be a defining decision as he enters the latter years of his career at the highest level of English football.

Manchester City’s willingness to consider his departure means Grealish’s future could be settled before the close of the summer window. Everton’s interest, the possible involvement of Ndiaye and Sunderland’s late approach have left the player with several options to assess before Tuesday’s deadline.