Jack Grealish joining Everton this summer certainly has legs, and Micah Richards has given an update on the progress in the deal.
This summer, The Friedkin Group wanted to show their ambition at Everton, and signing Grealish, albeit on a loan, is a good way of going about that.
Although the Toffees seem like the frontrunners for the 29-year-old, Tottenham could hijack a deal for Grealish.
Their offer of European football on the table could be too tempting for the City winger to turn down.
However, Evertonians will be intrigued to see what Micah Richards has said, as the former Aston Villa defender is known to be good friends with David Moyes’ main target.
Jack Grealish smiles on the Man City bench.
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Micah Richards says Jack Grealish joining Everton is ‘real’
A move for the England international seems to be divided by Toffees fans as his wages come with a price.
It’s said that Grealish would cost £12 million on loan, which is shockingly more than Adam Aznou’s £7.8 million arrival.
But although it’s expensive, it’s an exciting transfer, and speaking to The Rest Is Football, Richards has given some promising news about his close friend.
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“I’ve heard the Grealish news is real, and I think if they get Grealish, I think he’ll be devastating,” Richards said.
The winger making the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium might actually be happening after plenty of back and forth.
It’s a chance for Grealish to rejuvenate his career under the stewardship of Moyes, and the perfect role is waiting for him on Merseyside.
Micah Richards said Jack Grealish thrives on being the ‘main man’ which is perfect for Everton
After costing Pep Guardiola’s side £100 million, his move to Manchester didn’t exactly pan out.
But there is no denying his quality is still there, and after his time with Villa, he can also bring leadership to the table for Everton.
More specifically, at his boyhood club, the City star had a special role which could work for Everton due to their similar stature.
Speaking in February 2020 to the BBC, Richards said: “It is tough for anyone to show how good they are in a struggling side, but he has been Villa’s best player every time I have watched them this season.
Games played 36
Goal involvements 13 (8G+5A)
Dribble success % 62.4%
Fouls won 167
Chances created per 90 2.50
Duels won 289
Jack Grealish’s statistics at Aston Villa 19/20 Premier League season, as per FotMob
“There is a lot of pressure there, because they look to him for inspiration every week, but he thrives on being the main man.”
This works to a tee for Everton, as Moyes is lacking that main man in his squad of struggling players.
Wolves had this through Matheus Cunha last season, which propelled them away from safety, and although Iliman Ndiaye has seemed to be this figure, Grealish comes with a lot more pedigree.
It seems like the perfect signing for The Friedkins’ project, and with Grealish telling his close friends he wants Everton, Richards’ claim certainly aligns with the story, as the pieces are being put together.