Jack Grealish has completed his loan move to Everton for the 25/26 campaign.
With the FIFA World Cup happening at the end of the upcoming season, this transfer was crucial for the winger if he harbours hopes of travelling with the England squad next summer.
Despite Grealish being loved by his teammates and City fans, the 29-year-old did not live up to his £100m price tag during his time at the Etihad Stadium, which is why he fell down Pep Guardiola’s pecking order.
It is hard to see a way back for the Englishman at Manchester City, but if all goes well on Merseyside, there is an option for Everton to bring Grealish to the Hill Dickinson Stadium next summer on a permanent deal.
Jack Grealish on the Man City bench at the Etihad Stadium.
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Everton can sign Jack Grealish for less than £50m
David Moyes was crucial in convincing Grealish to join Everton, as the Merseyside club were not the only side in the race for the Man City winger.
According to The Athletic, the Toffees will cover around three-quarters of Grealish’s £300,000 a week salary, with Man City also including a £50m purchase option in the deal.
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However, the report states that a lower fee could still be negotiated if Everton want to make the deal permanent next summer.
This is a big signing for Everton, who were willing to spend an overall package of around £12m to have Grealish as part of their squad for the season.
Grealish is comfortably the highest-paid player at Everton heading into the new season, and his teammates will not mind this once he delivers on the pitch.
How Jack Grealish’s salary compares to the rest of the Everton squad
Theo Walcott believes the arrival of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will help get the best out of Grealish as Moyes starts to put the pieces together around the England star.
With the 29-year-old being paid £225,000-a-week at Everton, the winger will have to deliver, as that is almost double what Jordan Pickford is earning at the Toffees.
Player Salary per week
Jack Grealish £125k
Jordan Pickford £125k
Idrissa Gueye £120k
Jarrad Branthwaite £120k
James Tarkowski £100k
Michael Keane £70k
Everton’s payroll (via Spotrac)
The Grealish deal is a big one for Everton and is a statement from the Merseyside club’s new owners, but it is also a risk.
The last few seasons have been tough for the Man City star, and everyone at the Manchester club will be hoping Moyes gets the best out of the Englishman, as City supporters know how good the winger can be on his day.