Everton Face Loan Hijack Battle For £30m Target: What Moyes Can’t Afford To Let Him Pass? | OneFootball

Everton are in danger of losing their top attacking target to Sunderland after the PL club tabled a formal loan bid for Jack Grealish, according to a report by Mark Douglas. Manchester City, who are bracing themselves for a hectic final week before the September 1st deadline, have made the 30-year-old available for either sale or permanent transfer. Sunderland’s offer includes salary coverage and an option-to-buy clause, an aggressive package that has genuinely unsettled Everton’s position in the race. The Toffees still want him. City just need someone to move quickly.

Everton caught flat-footed as Sunderland act first

Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton under David Moyes, contributing 2 goals and 6 assists across 20 Premier League appearances before a stress fracture in his foot ended his campaign in January 2026. He’s returned to fitness since, making two substitute appearances for City under Enzo Maresca this term. Now, with his contract entering its final year, he is genuinely available.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 25: Jack Grealish, on loan to Everton, brings out the 2023 UEFA Super Cup trophy during the After Party Celebration to mark the achievements of Manchester City men’s, women’s and academy teams during the 25/26 season at The Co-op Live Arena on May 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

Everton’s board has operated on a strict loan-only basis. That is the problem. Sunderland exploited that hesitation immediately, structuring a bid that covers his wages and includes a future purchase option. Grealish will definitely want a permanent resolution rather than another temporary stint where he ends the summer no closer to security. A basic loan doesn’t offer him that.

Moyes can’t afford to let this one go to a domestic rival

Here’s the painful truth for Everton. Grealish created 35 chances across 20 games last season, completed 86% of his passes, and gave Moyes genuine structural control during transitional phases. He is not just a luxury. He is a tactical anchor who makes everyone around him better.

The Toffees opened their season with a front three of Ndiaye, Thierno Barry and Tyrique George, a 20-year-old loanee, and won against Crystal Palace. That’s encouraging. But leaning on youth across a tough PL campaign is risky, and Moyes knows it.

Everton paid roughly £12 million for a loan last season. A structured £30 million permanent deal, amortised across a multi-year contract, actually makes cleaner financial sense under PSR calculations. The board has a route. They just need the nerve to take it before Sunderland’s bid hardens into something City will accept.