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Report: Everton target free transfer for Jack Grealish despite £50m option

Everton have made a bright start to the season with Jack Grealish quickly becoming a key figure on Merseyside. The Manchester City winger joined on a year-long loan and has already delivered four assists in just two Premier League appearances, earning the league’s August player-of-the-month accolade.

The 30-year-old has settled into David Moyes’ squad with remarkable ease, quickly winning over fans at Goodison Park. His performances against Wolves and other early-season fixtures have given supporters a glimpse of what could become a pivotal player for Everton in the coming years.

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Negotiation hurdles for a permanent deal

While Everton’s loan agreement includes a £50m option to buy as reported by The Telegraph. Grealish in the summer of 2026, the figure is not fixed. Rather, it reflects accounting practices, with City valuing the winger as a £50m asset last summer when he had two years left on his contract. By next summer, with just one year remaining, this valuation is expected to fall.

Salary considerations also complicate matters, with Grealish reportedly earning around £12m annually. Everton would struggle to pay a significant transfer fee alongside such wages. A free transfer may be the most realistic scenario if the club wishes to retain him long-term. Any agreement would depend on negotiations with City and interest from other clubs, leaving Everton’s hopes contingent on careful management.

Moyes’ influence on Grealish’s decision

David Moyes’ approach to signing players has long emphasised character and commitment. He reportedly impressed upon Grealish that he would start his loan spell on the bench and would need to earn his place in the squad. “You’ll be starting as a substitute and will have to earn your place,” Moyes told him, ensuring that ambition was matched with humility.

Those facilitating the transfer initially expected a more traditional charm offensive. Instead, they found Grealish fully engaged, eager to prove himself rather than assume seniority. His readiness to accept Moyes’ challenge has helped forge a rapid connection with his new club.

Even off the pitch, Grealish has demonstrated his character. When Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear was finalising details of the deal, his son, a Grealish fan, checked in for updates. Grealish suggested a FaceTime call to reassure the young supporter that he would soon be an Everton player, further endearing himself to fans and staff alike.

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Fan reception and long-term potential

Supporters have quickly embraced Grealish, seeing echoes of past Everton favourites in his immediate impact. While it is early days, the sense of optimism surrounding the club this season, with a new stadium and rejuvenated squad, is embodied in the winger’s performances. His display against former club Aston Villa this weekend will further highlight the difference he has already made.

Whisper it quietly, but some fans are beginning to wonder if Grealish could follow in the footsteps of club legends, becoming an integral part of a new era on Merseyside.

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Evertonians have every reason to be excited by Grealish’s loan. His immediate influence demonstrates that the club can attract high-profile talent even without competing financially with the Premier League’s elite. Fans are particularly encouraged by the player’s attitude, respecting Moyes’ authority and embracing the challenge of earning his place.

The possibility of a free transfer in 2026 makes Grealish’s long-term future at Goodison Park more attainable than previously imagined. For supporters, this is not just about results on the pitch but a symbol of Everton’s renewed ambition. If the winger continues his current form, he could inspire a generation of fans and help stabilise a squad that has historically struggled to maintain top-flight consistency.

Moreover, Grealish’s rapport with the fanbase, reminiscent of Duncan Ferguson’s instant connection in the 1990s, signals a rare and valuable cultural fit. Evertonians can hope that his performances, combined with savvy negotiations over his transfer, may finally allow the club to secure a marquee player capable of transforming their fortunes.