Grealish’s Everton future in doubt – but supporters deserve a clearer picture
Jack Grealish’s chances of joining Everton permanently are reportedly virtually non-existent following his recent disciplinary problems.
That is the assessment of transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke, who claims the Manchester City loanee’s off-field conduct has seriously damaged his prospects of remaining at the club beyond this season.
Moyes has left the door open
Grealish, 31, has missed Everton’s last four matches, including Friday’s 3-1 victory over Coventry City, following a reported breach of club discipline and subsequent fitness concerns. The full circumstances have not been publicly explained, however, and David Moyes has not suggested that the winger’s Everton career is over.
Asked recently whether Grealish had a route back into the team, Moyes replied: “Of course there is.” Before the Coventry match, he also confirmed that the club would be working with the player again soon, although he did not provide a timetable for his return. Those comments appear difficult to reconcile with the suggestion that Grealish’s prospects at Everton have already been all but extinguished, although returning to the team and earning a permanent contract are two separate matters.
Evertonians deserve more context
Discipline matters, and Moyes is entitled to set the standards he expects from his players. Equally, a permanent deal would involve wider considerations, including Grealish’s performances, fitness and the financial terms of any agreement with Manchester City. But if his recent conduct has effectively ended the possibility of a permanent move, Evertonians deserve a clearer understanding of why that conclusion has been reached.
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That does not mean Everton should disclose confidential disciplinary details. It means a claim this definitive needs more context, particularly when the manager’s public comments have left open the possibility of Grealish returning to the side. Until there is firmer evidence of the club’s intentions, it would be premature to regard his Everton future as settled.
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Gary Gowers is a sports journalist and the editor of Read Everton, where he leads daily coverage of Everton news, transfers and analysis. He also writes about Manchester City for Read Man City and motorsport for Read Motorsport. A former accountant, he became a freelance writer in 2011 and has written for BBC Sport and Metro.
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