Jack Grealish’s career has taken an unexpected turn as he inches closer to a season-long loan move to Everton — a far cry from where many thought he’d be just a year ago.
The former Manchester City star, once signed for a British-record £100 million, now finds himself stepping down to a club that, at best, sits mid-table.
From Premier League Champion to Loan Candidate: What Went Wrong?
The last two years haven’t been kind to the 29-year-old winger.
After a promising start at City, including a key role in their historic treble-winning 2022-23 season, Grealish’s form and fitness have sharply declined.
Pep Guardiola’s style has always demanded full commitment, and when a player doesn’t align with his vision, change often follows swiftly.
Grealish’s Early Impact at City Showed Promise
In his debut season, Grealish started 22 Premier League games and made 39 appearances in all competitions, helping City clinch the league title by just a single point.
Though his goal and assist numbers lagged behind teammates like Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez, his dribbling skills and ability to win free kicks earned him trust from Guardiola.
The 2022-23 season was the high point, with Grealish playing a crucial part in City’s treble of the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles.
Pundits and fans alike applauded his performances, with some likening him to iconic English players of the past.
Injuries and Competition Have Taken Their Toll
Unfortunately, injuries soon began to limit Grealish’s game time.
Groin issues and other setbacks sidelined him, while new signings like Jeremy Doku filled the gaps on the wings.
By the 2023-24 season, Grealish started only 10 league matches and missed out on England’s Euro 2024 squad altogether.
His visible frustration during games and off-pitch incidents didn’t help, and Guardiola openly criticized his form, urging him to recapture the player who won City’s treble.
Off-Field Distractions Add to Challenges
Grealish’s personal life made headlines, too. Reports of late-night outings and questionable company surfaced, especially after the birth of his first child with girlfriend Sasha Atwood.
His partying and public behavior drew criticism from managers and fans alike, adding to the narrative of a player struggling to maintain focus.
Could Everton Offer Grealish a Fresh Start?
Now, a loan move to Everton presents a chance for Grealish to revive his career.
The Merseyside club, led by David Moyes, could offer him more freedom to express himself and regain the confidence he once had at Aston Villa — the club where he first became a fan favorite.
If Grealish can recapture that form, combined with the motivation of the upcoming World Cup, there’s hope his story of decline might yet turn into one of redemption.