Grealish reportedly favours Everton return if he exits Manchester City
Sources indicate Jack Grealish would prefer to rejoin Everton if he leaves Manchester City before the transfer deadline. The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Everton, contributing two goals and six assists before a foot injury ended his campaign. City are open to his departure, but no concrete offers have been made, while City are also interested in Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.
Grealish’s limited role under new manager Enzo Maresca, with just two substitute appearances so far, suggests his standing at the Etihad has diminished. His loan spell at Everton last season, though cut short by a January foot injury, still produced a respectable return of two goals and six assists across 20 outings, indicating he found form on Merseyside.
The potential transfer carries a secondary thread: City’s interest in Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye. The Senegal international has turned down multiple contract offers and reportedly rejected a move to Saudi side Al-Hilal, with Everton likely to demand around £70m for a player under contract until 2029. Any deal could hinge on whether City can offload Grealish first, though no formal bids have emerged.
This story could affect supporters of both clubs, who may see a rare high-profile swap-style negotiation play out in the final days of the window. For Grealish, a move back to Everton may revive his career after a peripheral season at City, while Everton fans could gain a proven Premier League talent. The potential £70m valuation of Ndiaye may also signal how transfer market inflation continues to shape club finances, potentially influencing how smaller clubs negotiate with wealthier rivals.