Jack Grealish in action for Man City in Community Shield
Jack Grealish in action for Man City in Community Shield
That is the opinion of former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The 30-year-old wants to return to Merseyside this summer despite interest from the likes of Sunderland, but it is unclear whether a move will get over the line.
Many expected Grealish's return to Everton to be among the first moves of the summer, but there appears to have been a hesitancy at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The winger's extended period out with a foot injury may be to blame, but there is a suggestion that his off-pitch antics have not helped.
The England international was captured appearing to be drunk and passed out in a bar during the summer, in images that went viral on social media.
🚨JUST IN: Jack Grealish was spotted passed out with drinks in front of him on patio in Manchester.
Reports say he arrived with friends around 4:30pm and was seeing falling asleep by 5:30. pic.twitter.com/h4WNfSqncg
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) April 27, 2026
Ultimately, Everton and David Moyes will be more concerned about what Grealish can still do on the pitch more than what happens off it.
The 30-year-old was a breath of fresh air for the Toffees when he arrived last summer, and he may have lead them to European qualification had his season not been ended by injury in January.
Any potential deal to bring him back in the final days of the window contains its risks, but the potential upsides are huge.
"I'd have thought he'd have gone out and brought him, because he had such a big impact on the club when he joined them, Grealish," King told Football Insider.
"I don't know whether it was Grealish's antics during the summer, where he was caught on a a jolly-up, where he does seem to have this tendency of enjoying himself and then falling asleep and being caught in compromising pictures.
"There's always someone out there who wants to try and make a name for himself in the newspapers, but he had to show more responsibility, you know, it isn't a game anymore.
"He's a hundred million pound player! He's not a hundred million pound player now, but he could certainly do a lot to lift the feelings within Everton Football Club."
What has David Moyes said about re-signing Grealish?
The Everton fan base fell in love with Grealish last season, and will hope to see him return in the coming days.
"We are in the recruitment business and we are looking to see if we can bring some players in if possible," Moyes said on Friday when asked about the winger.
"But there's no guarantee and to name one person would be wrong. Jack's not at our club. He was brilliant for us, a great boy, but not for us to talk about because he's at another club."
The coming hours are set to be crucial, with it appearing that Manchester City are set to lower their demands for Grealish.