Everton’s supporters were left reeling last week as news broke that Jack Grealish, the club’s high-profile loan signing from Manchester City, had suffered a significant foot injury. The timing couldn’t have been more frustrating for the Toffees, who had just celebrated a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Aston Villa—a match in which Grealish played the full 90 minutes. Days later, however, Everton confirmed that the winger’s injury was serious, reportedly a stress fracture, and that he could be facing up to three months on the sidelines. With Everton’s attacking options already stretched thin, this latest setback has thrown up a host of questions about the club’s immediate future and long-term plans regarding Grealish.
Jack Grealish’s arrival at Goodison Park for the 2025-26 season was seen as a coup. The England international had struggled for consistent minutes at Manchester City, but the move to Merseyside offered a fresh start. And what a start it was—Grealish hit the ground running, notching four assists in his first few games and earning the Premier League Player of the Month award for August 2025. His creativity and energy seemed to rejuvenate an Everton side desperate for attacking flair.
But as the season wore on, Grealish’s output slowed. While his early performances had supporters buzzing, his statistics after 22 appearances stood at a modest two goals and six assists. The numbers, though respectable, fell short of the expectations that come with a player of his pedigree and the financial commitment Everton had made. According to TEAMtalk, the club’s option to buy Grealish outright from Manchester City is set at £50 million—a figure that now looks increasingly steep in light of his injury and recent form.
The injury itself has cast a shadow over both Grealish’s and Everton’s prospects for the remainder of the campaign. Reports suggest that the stress fracture could keep him out for up to three months, potentially sidelining him for the rest of the season. Everton have yet to officially confirm a return date, but the prevailing sentiment is that Grealish will be unavailable for the foreseeable future. For a team already struggling to find the net—strikers Beto and Thierno Barry have combined for just seven goals all season—losing their most creative winger is a bitter blow.
Grealish’s impact, however, goes beyond mere statistics. He has spoken openly about his enjoyment at Everton, crediting manager David Moyes and the club’s passionate fanbase for helping him rediscover his love for the game. “I can’t speak highly enough of [Moyes] as a person,” Grealish said after netting a crucial winner against Bournemouth. That sense of belonging has been evident in his play, with flashes of the skill and vision that made him a star at Aston Villa and prompted Manchester City to spend big on his services just a few years ago.
Yet the reality is that Grealish’s injury and patchy form have complicated Everton’s transfer plans. The club’s original agreement with Manchester City included a £50 million buy option, but sources now indicate that Everton are reluctant to pay such a hefty sum. According to TEAMtalk, the Toffees are preparing to negotiate a much lower fee—potentially around half the original clause, or £25 million. Given the current circumstances, including Grealish’s injury and the club’s limited financial resources, such a move would seem prudent. There is no official word yet from Manchester City on whether they would accept a reduced offer, but history suggests the champions are willing to be flexible, especially when it comes to players surplus to requirements.
From Everton’s perspective, a permanent deal for Grealish at a lower cost could be a shrewd piece of business. Despite his recent struggles, the winger has demonstrated an ability to change games—his two goals and six assists are evidence of that. With better support up front and a fit-again Grealish, there’s every reason to believe he could recapture the form that made him one of England’s most exciting talents. Still, the risk is clear: investing heavily in a player approaching 31 with a history of injuries is a gamble, especially in the cutthroat environment of the Premier League.
Should Everton decide not to pursue a permanent transfer, Grealish’s future becomes a fascinating subplot to watch this summer. His age and injury record might limit his options in England, but overseas clubs are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Serie A giants AC Milan and Napoli are said to be interested, while teams in the Saudi Pro League could offer lucrative deals. Major League Soccer is another potential destination, particularly with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and the league eager to attract marquee names. Grealish, while perhaps not as globally renowned as the likes of Robert Lewandowski, would nonetheless be a major coup for any MLS franchise seeking to boost its profile and attacking options.
For now, the main concern at Goodison Park is how to cope without Grealish for the coming months. His absence puts the spotlight on Everton’s other attacking players, who will need to step up if the club is to maintain its push for a strong league finish. The injury has also reignited debate among supporters about the wisdom of big-money buy options in loan deals—a reminder of the risks involved when betting on a single player to transform a team’s fortunes.
Grealish’s own journey, meanwhile, remains one of resilience and adaptability. After a frustrating spell at Manchester City, he found a new lease on life at Everton, only to be struck down by injury just as he seemed to be settling in. Whether he returns to the blue of Everton, heads abroad, or seeks a new adventure in the United States, one thing is clear: his next move will be watched with keen interest across the footballing world.
As negotiations between Everton and Manchester City loom, and as Grealish works to recover from his injury, the future remains uncertain. But if there’s one lesson to take from this saga, it’s that football’s twists and turns rarely allow for easy answers. For now, Everton fans and Grealish himself must wait—and hope—for a resolution that benefits both player and club.