What next for Man City star Grealish after Everton spell? | OneFootball

Everton signed Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City after a torrid few years under Pep Guardiola.

The move was a win-win for all parties. Everton got the playmaker they needed, and he received playing time, while City got some relief from his massive wages.

Grealish’s move to Everton proved to be a masterstroke. He delivered vintage performances for the Toffees, especially in his early days.

The 30-year-old was rediscovering his previous levels with consistent playing time.

Grealish had registered two goals and provided six assists in 22 appearances for the Merseyside club.

Unfortunately, he suffered a foot stress fracture which required surgery in January, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Everton will not be keen on signing him permanently this summer, leaving him at a crossroads.

Grealish is entering the final year of his contract, which expires in 2027, and needs to find a new stomping ground.

He will struggle to get a look-in at Man City with the competition for places. He needs a team where he can play week in, week out. A permanent transfer away makes sense.

However, not many clubs will be lining up with bids for a player who has not played competitive football in months. A loan deal makes more sense.

Man City can extend his deal by a season and allow him to head out on loan again in search of playing time.

Read on as we look at what the future potentially holds for the England international.

Another loan to Everton

Another loan to Everton makes perfect sense for all involved, especially given how well Grealish had begun to settle before his injury setback.

Under Toffees boss David Moyes, he looked trusted, liberated and central to the team’s attacking structure, something he has rarely felt in recent years.

Moyes clearly believes in Grealish’s ability to dictate tempo and carry the ball in tight areas, and that faith is invaluable for a player trying to rebuild confidence.

Continuity will be a major advantage. Rather than starting from scratch elsewhere, Grealish can return to a system, dressing room and manager that already understand his strengths.

That familiarity can fast-track his return to peak condition once fully fit.

From Everton’s perspective, it’s a low-risk way to regain a proven creative outlet, while City continue to ease their wage burden.

With limited clubs likely to gamble on his fitness immediately, a second loan spell offers stability, opportunity and the best platform for Grealish to rediscover himself.

A move away from England?

Another path worth exploring is a move away from England altogether, with Serie A offering an intriguing stylistic fit for Grealish.

Italian football’s slower tempo and tactical emphasis will suit his ball-carrying ability, close control and tendency to draw fouls.

There is a particularly compelling case for Grealish to join AS Roma. The ageing Stephan El Shaarawy is still their starting winger.

With Gian Piero Gasperini favouring a 3-4-2-1 system, the inside-left role behind the striker demands exactly the kind of creativity and positional intelligence Grealish thrives on.

Everton’s sister club can benefit from a player capable of unlocking compact defences while adding experience in the final third.

Grealish’s tendency to drift centrally and combine in tight spaces makes him a natural fit for that channel.

Seven-time Champions League winners AC Milan are another option, particularly if Rafael Leao departs.

Replacing Leao directly is no small task, but Grealish offers a different profile.

He is not as explosive as Leao, but is still equally capable of influencing games at a high level.