Jack Grealish In a Three-Way Transfer Race

Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City is again up in the air, and it seems like this summer could finally be where he moves on. After falling out of favor under Pep Guardiola, the England international has found himself at the center of a growing tug-of-war between Everton, West Ham, and Napoli.

At 29, Grealish is no longer the fancy new signing he once was at the Etihad, but there’s still a belief, especially among potential suitors, that he has a bunch to offer. As things stand, all three clubs are weighing up their options, with Everton quietly confident they can pull off what would be one of the more surprising deals of the summer window.

Everton’s Bold Play: The Toffees Believe They Can Land Him

Out of nowhere, Everton have pushed themselves into the conversation for Grealish’s signature. Sources close to the club say talks have already taken place over a loan deal, which would likely involve Manchester City covering a good chunk of the player’s wages. With Grealish earning around £300,000 a week, that is a big ask, but not impossible, especially now that Everton is under new ownership.

The club’s recent takeover by the Friedkin Group has given them more financial flexibility, and there is a strong feeling around Goodison Park that they need a marquee signing to mark the start of their new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. In that sense, Grealish makes perfect sense. They see him as a player who could light up the pitch and also help bridge the past with their ambitious future.

Another reason for Everton’s optimism? Grealish reportedly wants to stay in the north of England. That rules out Napoli almost immediately and puts West Ham at a slight disadvantage, too. Add to that the fact that Jack is settled with a young family and is seeking stability, and suddenly Merseyside doesn’t seem like an odd destination. 

Napoli and West Ham Are Still In

That being said, Everton is not alone. West Ham, now managed by Graham Potter, has also been keeping tabs on the situation. The Hammers see Grealish as someone who can slot into their system and give them a much-needed creative edge since the transfer of Muhammad Kudus to Spurs. While they may be willing to match Everton’s offer, questions remain over whether they can guarantee him a central role.

Then there’s Napoli, which could offer him Champions League football and a fresh start in Italy, but moving abroad has its complications. According to reports, Kevin De Bruyne, now at Napoli, has even tried to convince the club to reunite him with Grealish, but there’s no concrete movement so far. The player’s reluctance to move far from home, especially at this career stage, means Napoli is still more of an outside bet.

Grealish At Crossroads Again

This is not the first time Jack Grealish has been at a career crossroads, but it feels more defining this time around. After missing out on the Club World Cup squad and starting just seven league games last season, it’s clear his time at Manchester City is up. A fresh start feels almost inevitable with Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Ryan Cherki, Savinho, and others ahead of him in the pecking order.

At 29, this next move has to be about more than money or prestige. Grealish needs minutes, rhythm, and a manager who trusts him. That’s especially important with England’s World Cup qualifying campaign set to pick up again under new boss Thomas Tuchel. He’s not out of the England picture just yet, but that could change quickly if he continues to sit on the bench at City.

It’s worth remembering that City spent £100 million to bring him in from Aston Villa. They’re unlikely to get that now, but a fee in the region of £40–45 million could be enough if they opt to sell outright. Still, a loan with an obligation or option to buy seems more realistic for now, especially if Grealish prefers to test the waters elsewhere before committing long-term.

Final Thoughts

If City gives the green light, Everton is ready to move fast. They’ve done their homework, and they believe Grealish could thrive in the type of system David Moyes is planning. Unlike his role at City, often reduced to short cameos, Everton would give him more freedom, more responsibility, and more of the ball.

In return, they’re hoping to get back the version of Grealish that dazzled for Aston Villa and the treble-winning days at Manchester City, fearless, creative, and capable of changing games single-handedly.