Grealish's Everton loan ends with Aston Villa return emerging as likeliest summer destination

Jack Grealish’s loan spell at Everton has concluded without a permanent deal, leaving the 30-year-old Manchester City winger facing an uncertain summer — and a potential fairytale return to Aston Villa gathering momentum.

Grealish joined Everton on a season-long loan after falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, where he had arrived in 2021 for a then-British record £100 million on a six-year contract. He showed encouraging signs on Merseyside, contributing six assists across his first 22 appearances, before a stress fracture in his foot sustained in January ended his campaign prematurely.

With Guardiola now departed from City and Grealish’s long-term future at the club unresolved, a move back to Villa Park is being considered a credible option. Grealish is a lifelong Villa supporter, born in Birmingham into a family of committed fans. He joined the club’s academy at six years old, made his first-team debut in 2014 following a loan at Notts County, and captained Villa to Premier League promotion in 2019 before City triggered his release clause two years later.

When he left, Grealish addressed supporters directly: “I’ll always be a Villa fan. I love this club with all my heart and I hope you understand my reasons for seeking a new challenge. I’ll see you all again soon. Until next time. UTV.”

Villa’s circumstances have changed considerably since that departure. The club, now managed by Unai Emery, won the Europa League last month and have secured Champions League football for next season — a competition that would offer Grealish the high-profile stage he has been missing. The revenue generated from Grealish’s sale in 2021 helped stabilise the club financially, and Villa are now understood to have the resources to fund a deal.

Squad needs also align. With Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho expected to leave Villa Park, Emery will require wide-attacking reinforcements, and Grealish’s familiarity with the club’s culture and fanbase makes him an appealing fit on multiple levels.

Whether City would sanction a permanent exit — and at what fee — remains to be seen, but with one year left on his contract and limited prospects of regular first-team football at the Etihad, the conditions for a departure appear to be in place.