Jack Grealish has completed a season-long loan move to Everton from Manchester City. The 30-year-old winger spent last season with the Toffees and impressed before injury curtailed his campaign. He has now linked up again with David Moyes' side and could make his second Everton debut in the weekend Premier League clash with Manchester United.
Grealish prioritised Everton return
Grealish had interest from elsewhere, with Sunderland keen on the England international, but the winger had always prioritised a return to Everton if a deal could be done.
On re-signing for the Merseysiders, he said: "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. 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. I had a perfect time here for the first six months, then I stayed around after I got injured. I’ve been watching all the Everton games in pre-season and since the season started. Now I feel ready to go. I'm ready to start training tomorrow and prepare for the games."
City future uncertain
Grealish is out of contract at City at the end of the season and could have played his last game for the club. He came off the bench in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and again in the league opener against Bournemouth but was left out of the squad for Friday's win at Crystal Palace.
City boss Enzo Maresca has a strong relationship with Grealish but did not view the former Aston Villa man as part of his plans. Grealish played a key role in City's Treble-winning season but has struggled to recapture that form, and the Blues are not planning to offer him a new deal, meaning he will leave for free next summer, six years after joining for £100million.
Permanent move in sight
Everton are seemingly in pole position to sign him permanently given the relationship the club have built up with the player.
