Exclusive: Wages key to Grealish’s Man City move to Everton – finance expert
Man City could be willing to negotiate on the transfer fee that would seal Jack Grealish’s exit amid interest from Everton and Saudi clubs.
That is according to football finance expert Dan Plumley, who exclusively told Football Insider that there was a “key factor” that would decide where the 29-year-old would end up this summer.
Grealish‘s bulging trophy case suggests his time at City has been a roaring success, but in reality, the England international has struggled during his time in Manchester.
The 29-year-old played a crucial role in the Sky Blues’ treble-winning 2022/23 season, but has seen his playing time diminish since then.
The winger started just seven games last season for Guardiola‘s side, and Grealish has since been left out of City’s Club World Cup (CWC) squad to prioritise finding a move away from the Etihad.
Jack Grealish wage demands ‘key factor’ in Man City exit
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, finance expert Plumley explained that whilst City may be willing to negotiate on a fee for the winger, ultimately a move away would come down to the 29-year-old’s wage demands.
Sources revealed to Football Insider that Grealish is keen on a move to Everton, and the senior lecturer from Sheffield Hallam University believes the England international could move to a “mid-table” club if they can afford his salary, which is currently estimated to be around £300,000-a-week [BBC Sport].
Plumley said: “In terms of who can afford him, I think that’s more going to come down to his wage demands. I think there might be a deal to be done on the fee.
“It’s probably going to have to be a Premier League club, or if he does go abroad, you’re looking into Saudi Arabia and places like that.
“I think it probably comes down to wage demands rather than the transfer fee.
“I know I’ve seen rumours of Everton as an example, you might be looking at one of those clubs that has a bit of flex to spend in that kind of middle mix of mid-table Premier League clubs.
“I think it will ultimately come down to his wages being the key factor if there is to be a move to another club.”
Man City in strong financial position despite summer splurge
Despite shelling out around £300,000 per week on Grealish, Plumley explained to Football Insider City were in no danger of failing PSR.
The finance expert estimated the club could lose as much as £300million and still remain compliant with the Premier League’s financial rules.
Having already made nine signings in 2025, City will head to the CWC with a new look squad that includes Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders.
The Sky Blues’ fans will be keen to see how the 21-year-old from Lyon performs in particular, given he will play in the same positions Grealish has throughout his career with the Citizens.