Jack Grealish has rejoined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City, returning to Merseyside for a second successive campaign in a move that takes him to the end of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City have officially confirmed that the 30-year-old England winger will spend the remainder of the 2026/27 season with Everton. His City contract expires next summer, meaning Grealish is currently on course to become a free agent when the loan ends.
The move comes after Grealish made Everton his preferred destination despite interest from elsewhere, including Sunderland.
Grealish heads back to Everton
Grealish spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Everton after falling out of favour during Pep Guardiola’s final campaign at Manchester City.
He initially made a significant impact on Merseyside, registering two goals and six assists before a foot injury brought his season to a premature end in January.
Grealish remained with Everton during his rehabilitation before returning to City this summer.
He featured twice under new City head coach Enzo Maresca at the beginning of the campaign, coming off the bench against Arsenal in the Community Shield and again during the Premier League victory over Bournemouth.
However, with Everton interested in bringing him back, Grealish has now opted for another season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Manchester City’s official announcement confirmed: “Jack Grealish has joined Everton on a season-long loan deal.”
£100m City move approaching its conclusion
Unless Grealish signs a new Manchester City contract, the loan effectively takes him through to the end of his time at the Etihad.
City paid Aston Villa £100m for Grealish in August 2021, making him the most expensive British footballer at the time.
He went on to make 157 appearances and score 17 goals during his first four seasons with City.
Grealish was also part of one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
His honours include three Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. He played a particularly important role during City’s historic 2022/23 Treble-winning campaign.
The England international is now entering the final year of a City contract reportedly worth around £300,000 per week.
Grealish returns as Ndiaye heads to City
The timing of Grealish’s return is particularly intriguing because Everton and Manchester City have also conducted major business in the opposite direction.
City have completed the signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for a reported £65m, with the Senegal international signing a five-year contract at the Etihad.
Everton have therefore lost one of their most dangerous attackers but simultaneously brought back a player who had already established himself as an important creative presence under David Moyes.
For Grealish, another season of regular Premier League football offers an opportunity to build on the encouraging start he made at Everton before injury struck.
It could also mark the final chapter of his Manchester City career. With his contract expiring when the loan concludes and no permanent transfer clause announced by City, Grealish is currently due to return to the Etihad as a free agent next summer.
