Jack Grealish’s time at Manchester City has come to a standstill. Once a £100 million record signing from Aston Villa and a vital part of City’s treble-winning side, the 29-year-old has struggled for form and fitness over the past two seasons. His omission from the final Premier League matchday squad and the FIFA Club World Cup team was the clearest signal yet that his Etihad chapter was closing.
Pep Guardiola, who earlier this year challenged Grealish to deliver consistent performances, gradually lost faith as injuries and patchy form took their toll. From January to May in the 2022/23 campaign, Grealish was a near ever-present, starting 21 of 23 matches, including the Champions League semi-finals and final. But since lifting the Champions League trophy in Istanbul, his minutes have dwindled — just 17 league starts in two seasons, with only 715 Premier League minutes last year.
Guardiola valued his influence in training and games during City’s most dominant periods but saw that level fade. Grealish’s own view is that recurring injuries — a dead leg, hamstring strains, hip and groin problems — prevented him from regaining rhythm and confidence. Without a consistent run in the team, he struggled to rediscover his spark.
Everton have now offered him the chance to reset. While City preferred a permanent sale, they accepted a season-long loan to Goodison Park, where David Moyes has pledged patience and a system that could restore Grealish to his best. The absence of European fixtures means fewer games and more recovery time, which could prove vital to keeping him fit.
Grealish, who has chosen the No.18 shirt in tribute to Paul Gascoigne and Wayne Rooney, will likely feature in a central attacking role — his favourite position — rather than the wide-left role he often occupied under Guardiola. Moyes believes the midfielder’s ambition to return to the England squad for next summer’s World Cup will fuel his drive.
If Grealish can deliver a strong season at Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, he could not only revive his international career but also cement himself as a fan favourite on Merseyside.
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Source: Wesleyannews.com
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