Grealish seals second Everton loan to effectively end £100m Man City career

Jack Grealish has returned to Everton on loan for a second successive season, a move that effectively signals the end of his Manchester City career. The 30-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, is widely expected to leave the club on a free transfer when the deal expires.

Grealish made an immediate impact during his first spell at Hill Dickinson Stadium last season, registering four assists in his opening two starts and claiming the Premier League Player of the Month award for August before a January injury curtailed his campaign. He becomes Everton’s sixth summer signing.

The transfer also makes Grealish the second player to move between the two clubs on deadline day, effectively replacing Iliman Ndiaye, who joined the FA Cup winners for an initial £60m.

Speaking after completing the move, Grealish was candid about what drew him back to Merseyside, pointing to the environment created by manager David Moyes.

“It feels so good. I’m so happy,” he said. “I think I’m at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved. That’s what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me and especially what the fans have given me.”

Grealish also reflected on the reception he received from supporters during his first stint at the club. “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.”

Moyes himself was cited as a decisive factor in the England international’s decision to return. “I love him, the manager. I think he’s such a great guy. He was a big reason why I wanted to come back here as well,” Grealish added. “I’ve had certain managers in the past where I feel I’ve played my best football under them — and he falls into that category, for sure.”

Grealish arrived at City in the summer of 2021 for £100m, a British transfer record at the time, but struggled for consistent form and regular starts under Pep Guardiola. His second loan spell at Everton now looks set to be the final chapter before he departs the Etihad permanently.