It was late on the evening of Monday, August 11, when Everton’s new chief executive, Angus Kinnear, checked his watch and felt a pang of worry.
Football rarely keeps office hours, and Kinnear found himself caught in one of those unavoidable work moments.
He had planned to leave Finch Farm, Everton’s training ground, to tuck his son into bed, but it was clear that wasn’t going to happen.
Kinnear excused himself from a meeting, bracing to make the kind of call every parent dreads—explaining to a child that he wouldn’t be home as promised. But before he could speak, a colleague stepped in.
Taking the phone, they dialed FaceTime and connected young eyes with a familiar, smiling face: Jack Grealish.
“Hello, mate!” chirped Grealish, the newest addition to the Everton squad.
“I’m sorry your dad’s going to be late, but we’re just finishing this off—I’m about to sign for Everton.”
Grealish’s Career at a Crossroads
Phones and quick calls played a key role in one of Everton’s most talked-about summer transfers.
Many viewed the move as a coup, especially as Grealish’s trajectory seemed to be shifting.
Once Manchester City’s £100million record signing and a pivotal part of their Treble-winning squad in 2023, the England international found himself being loaned out despite having no active desire to leave the Etihad Stadium.
Grealish consulted Pep Guardiola about his options for the season, weighing whether to stay in Manchester or move on.
While clubs like Napoli and Atletico Madrid were circling, Guardiola’s response was unusually hands-off: stay if you want, leave if you want. The choice was Grealish’s.
David Moyes Sells Everton’s Vision
That’s when David Moyes entered the picture. Known for his enthusiasm and sharp eye for talent, Moyes didn’t sugarcoat anything.
On an early June call, he pitched Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, the passionate fanbase, and the team’s potential—but also made it clear that there was no guarantee Grealish would start every week.
Far from intimidating Grealish, this honesty resonated.
The midfielder, still grounded as “Jack from Solihull,” wanted a club where he felt welcome and could focus on playing football.
Moyes’ thorough approach—including deep background checks and assessments of character—confirmed the signing was the right fit.
Settling Into Everton
Before committing, Grealish did his homework. He spoke with England teammate Jordan Pickford, his new Everton squad members, and even reached out to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who had just joined from Chelsea.
Dewsbury-Hall’s reassurance helped cement Grealish’s decision: a fresh challenge at a club where he could play regularly and feel supported.
Early signs have been promising. In just his first two games against Brighton and Wolves, Grealish already outshone his previous two Premier League campaigns at Manchester City in goal contributions.
The chemistry between him, Dewsbury-Hall, and Iliman Ndiaye has been electric, showing that the Everton attacking trio has immense potential.
Fans and Team Embrace Grealish
Grealish’s impact isn’t limited to stats. Everton fans have welcomed him with open arms, creating unforgettable moments after games—one supporter even hugging him so tightly that Grealish likened it to a “UFC chokehold.”
His teammates, including Pickford and captain Seamus Coleman, have praised his work ethic and ability to fit seamlessly into the squad.
The positive reception is mirrored by league recognition.
Grealish became only the 10th Everton player to win Premier League Player of the Month, a milestone that speaks volumes about his reinvigorated form and dedication.
The Future Looks Bright
Grealish’s move to Everton wasn’t just about playing time—it was about balance, family stability, and professional rejuvenation.
Moyes is keen to push him further, confident that Grealish has more levels to reach and more contributions to make.
As Everton continue to integrate him into their system, fans can expect to see him score, assist, and inspire for seasons to come.
“Jack is back,” Moyes declared, and judging by the early signs, it’s hard to argue.