Everton are looking to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City again this summer.
It remains to be seen whether The Friedkin Group sanction a permanent move for the England international or look to strike another loan deal – Patrick Boyland of The Athletic has claimed that Everton would ideally prefer a loan.
However, considering the Everton No.18 sees his Manchester City contract expire in July 2027, it is unclear whether the Citizens would accept another loan.
That means Everton may have to commit millions to a permanent deal for Jack Grealish, who earns £300,000-a-week at Manchester City and is valued at £20m by The Friedkin Group, but developments over at Anfield should leave the Toffees thinking twice about spending a fortune on the Brummie.
With Jack Grealish done for the season, let us know your verdict on his campaign! 🤔
He provided six assists and two goals in the Premier League 👏
Jack Grealish of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Michael Regan.
Rapid decline of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk should act as a warning sign for Everton
Quite often in football, players in their thirties can see their abilities vanish rapidly.
Take Mohamed Salah, for example. The Egypt international was arguably the best player on the planet last season with 29 goals and 18 assists in 38 Premier League appearances, a record for goal contributions in a single 38-game campaign.
However, the Liverpool No.11 has seen his form drop off a cliff this term, netting just five goals and assisting a further six in 22 Premier League outings despite only just signing a two-year contract extension worth £400,000-a-week.
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A mutual decision has since been taken for Salah to leave at the end of this season rather than next term.
Virgil van Dijk is another example of how quickly a top player can fade away. The Dutchman has made several mistakes this season and looks a shadow of his old self, despite being an imperious figure in defence last term as Liverpool won the Premier League.
It is worth noting that these sudden declines happened without any injuries taking place, so doubts should be even stronger when it comes to Grealish, who is still recovering from the foot fracture he suffered in January.
Of course, if the financial figures are right for Everton, then it would be great to have the 30-year-old back at the Hill Dickinson Stadium beyond this season.
What should Everton be willing to pay to bring back Grealish over the summer? 💰
Jack Grealish of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United. Jack Grealish of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Credit: Getty Images/Alex Livesey/Matt McNulty
However, committing a fortune to make a deal happen quite clearly carries a lot of risk for The Friedkin Group as Grealish – who wants to return – approaches his 31st birthday.
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