Jack Grealish joined Everton on loan from Manchester City during the summer transfer window – but his long-term future at the club remains uncertain
Jack Grealish salutes the fans during the Premier League match between Everton and Brentford at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Mike Morese/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jack Grealish salutes the fans during the Premier League match between Everton and Brentford at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Mike Morese/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Former Everton midfielder Gareth Barry has warned his old club that Jack Grealish will be the subject of plenty of transfer interest this summer. Grealish moved to Everton on a temporary basis during the summer transfer window after falling out of favour with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
One of the main reasons the 30-year-old moved to make the move happen was so he could have a chance to feature in England's World Cup squad. And although Grealish impressed for David Moyes’ side, scoring twice and claiming six assists in all competitions, his campaign was cut short in January after he suffered a stress fracture in his foot, which required an operation.
The Blues committed to an outlay of about £12m to cover the majority of Grealish’s wages when bringing him to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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A £50m option to buy was included in the loan agreement by City, but that valuation was placed upon him for accounting purposes.
And the ECHO understands that the ambition for Everton is to extend Grealish’s stay into a second season, preferably on loan, and the plan is to formally explore that at the end of the current campaign.
But Barry, who made 115 appearances for the Blues, has warned his old club that Grealish will receive other offers this summer.
“I remember speaking last summer when all the noise was about it, and I thought it would be a great move for both the club and Jack,” Barry told the ECHO via BetMGM.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Jack Grealish of Everton acknowledges the fans as he celebrates victory after Everton defeat Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Everton at Villa Park on January 18, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Jack Grealish acknowledges the fans after Everton's victory at his former club Aston Villa, which was his last game before injury(Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
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“I knew he would be desperate to win a World Cup space, and that is why he started on fire, but unfortunately injuries stopped that happening.
“He is the type of player that Everton fans love. He is going to get the fans off their seats; he is going to give 100 per cent, and he brings that little bit of X factor as well.
“Jack is going to have a big decision to make and see what options he has, but with my Everton head on, I would love to see him at Everton next season, but I'm sure there will be interest from elsewhere as well.”
Barry, though, is in no doubt that the Blues should be doing all they can to ensure that Grealish returns to the club next season.
Everton manager David Moyes celebrates with Jack Grealish of Everton after the Premier League match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Jack Grealish and David Moyes (Image: Getty)
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“Yeah, if I’m involved with Everton and making these decisions, then I am trying to keep Jack Grealish, as I think he has brought a lot to the club this year,” he said.
“He started on fire and brought excitement to the fans; between him and Iliman Ndiaye on the opposite wing, you can’t ask for much more entertainment.
“If the numbers work, then I think Everton should try and keep Jack. He seems really happy there, and the transfer would improve Everton as well. They need to keep taking forward steps like they have since David Moyes came in.”