Jack Grealish’s £100 million transfer to Manchester City in 2021 was heralded as a landmark move, but four years later, the 29-year-old winger finds himself on a season-long loan to Everton, seeking to rediscover the spark that made him a star at Aston Villa. His struggles at City and potential for redemption at Everton reveal a tale of tactical misfits, personal challenges, and untapped potential.
#### Where It Went Wrong at Manchester City
Grealish’s tenure at Manchester City began with promise, culminating in a key role during their 2022-23 treble-winning season. However, his time at the Etihad has been marked by several factors that led to his decline:
1. **Tactical Mismatch Under Guardiola**: At Aston Villa, Grealish was a free-spirited, creative force, averaging 2.8 key passes per game as a central playmaker. Pep Guardiola reshaped him into a disciplined left winger, tasked with hugging the touchline and prioritizing possession over risk-taking. This role curtailed his flair, reducing his key passes to 1.4 per game in the 2024-25 season. Former City midfielder Shay Given noted, “When he plays, he’s a mannequin on the wing and just told to keep the shape,” highlighting how Guardiola’s system stifled Grealish’s natural game.
2. **Limited Game Time and Injuries**: Grealish started just seven Premier League matches in the 2024-25 season, less than 20% of City’s fixtures, and played only one minute in their final six league games. Injuries disrupted his campaign, limiting him to 1,500 minutes annually compared to over 4,000 during the treble season. His exclusion from City’s Club World Cup squad in 2025 signaled the end of his tenure, with Guardiola bluntly citing “selection” as the reason for omitting him against Fulham.
3. **Lack of Productivity**: Despite his £300,000-a-week wages and £100 million transfer fee, Grealish’s output was underwhelming, with just 12 league goals and 12 assists in four years. A post on X by @nqatpod calculated the cost at £9.55 million per goal and £7.06 million per assist, underscoring his inefficiency. Guardiola’s preference for wingers like Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush, who offered relentless dribbling and pace, further marginalized Grealish.
4. **Off-Field Perception**: Grealish’s high-profile lifestyle, including a reported “epic bender” in Ibiza in 2023, raised questions about his commitment. While his charisma endeared him to fans and staff, with many at City’s open training sessions clamoring for his attention, some believe it contributed to injuries and inconsistent form, souring his relationship with Guardiola.
5. **England Snub and Motivation Dip**: Grealish’s omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad was a significant blow, described by him as “probably the most difficult period” of his life. This, coupled with his reduced role at City, led to a reported “bombshell” claim to friends that Guardiola had “frozen him out,” signaling a loss of trust.
#### How Everton Can Fix Him
Everton’s loan deal for Grealish, reportedly worth £10 million with the Toffees covering a significant portion of his wages, offers a fresh start under manager David Moyes. Here’s how Everton can help Grealish rediscover his form and secure a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad:
1. **Regular First-Team Football**: Everton’s promise of consistent game time is crucial. Grealish started only 17 league matches over two seasons at City, but regular minutes at Goodison Park could restore his confidence and rhythm. Former City midfielder Gareth Barry urged Grealish to seize this opportunity, saying, “If I was in Jack’s shoes, I’d be wanting to prove everyone wrong. Everton would be a good move.”
2. **Return to His Natural Role**: At Aston Villa, Grealish thrived as a No. 10 or free-roaming playmaker, driving at defenses and creating chances. Moyes could deploy him centrally in a 4-4-1-1, where his vision and dribbling can shine, as suggested by fans on X like @InvertTheWing: “I don’t think people realise how good Jack Grealish was in the 10.” This contrasts with City’s rigid wing role, allowing Grealish to “forget everything Guardiola taught him” and recapture his Villa flair.
3. **Moyes’ Track Record with Cast-Offs**: Moyes has a history of revitalizing players like Steven Pienaar, and Everton sees similarities in Grealish’s potential to lift the squad. His leadership and personality could inspire teammates like Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil, though fitting him into a crowded left-sided attack poses a tactical challenge.
4. **Motivation for England Recall**: With Thomas Tuchel among Grealish’s admirers, a strong season at Everton could secure his World Cup spot. Grealish’s emotional response to missing Euro 2024—“It’s fuel for me to work harder”—suggests he’s driven to prove himself.
5. **Lower-Pressure Environment**: Everton’s less intense spotlight compared to City’s trophy-or-bust mentality could allow Grealish to play with freedom. The move also keeps him in the North West, maintaining stability after welcoming a daughter with partner Sasha Attwood in September 2024.
#### Challenges and Considerations
Everton’s squad already boasts left-sided options like Ndiaye, McNeil, and Charly Alcaraz, raising questions about Grealish’s fit, especially as Moyes prioritizes a right winger. Financially, his £300,000-a-week wages strain Everton’s £50 million annual wage bill, even with City covering part of the cost. Some fans, like @ConorMcCourt on X, argue Grealish’s lack of pace and past-peak form make younger prospects like Malick Fofana a better investment.
#### Outlook
Grealish’s loan to Everton is a chance to “turn back time” to his dynamic Villa days, as noted by The Independent. If Moyes can harness his creativity and personality, Grealish could transform Everton’s attack and boost their European qualification hopes. As @charles_stevo on X suggested, his signing could “inspire other deals,” raising Everton’s profile. With two years left on his City contract, this season is pivotal for Grealish to prove he’s not a £100 million flop but the “generational talent” Shay Given believes he can be. For more, check The Independent or FootballInsider247.com. If you have a specific article or further details, share them, and I can refine the response!
