Jack Grealish’s permanent switch to Everton could still be on amid huge wage reveal after injury
Jack Grealish could yet end up becoming an Everton player on a permanent basis despite his recent injury setback.
The Manchester City star has excelled on loan at the Hill Dickinson Stadium this season, but has now seen his season cut short by an injury.
Everton revealed on Thursday that Grealish will need surgery after sustaining a break in his foot, with the expectation that he will be unavailable for selection until the end of the campaign.
David Moyes and Co. have relied heavily on the winger to be one of their main sources of creativity this season, but all hope is not lost on securing a permanent deal, despite the frustration of his latest setback.
Jack Grealish to see out Everton loan as Toffees front up cost
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that Everton remain hugely keen to sign Grealish permanently in the summer, regardless of the injury that he has sustained.
The Toffees have an option to buy the wideman for £50million as part of their initial loan agreement with Pep Guardiola’s side, but are highly unlikely to be able to afford a move unless a reduction in price is offered by his parent club.
Grealish’s injury had cast doubt on any potential of that move amid suggestions that he could be set for a premature return to the Etihad Stadium.
The 30-year-old’s return to his parent club could have seen him drift away from Everton for good, but the potential permanent deal could yet be on the cards.
Grealish will see out the remainder of his loan spell on Merseyside, according to Everton insider The Bobble via X, while the loan club will also continue to pay his wages.
That allows ample time for Moyes and the Toffees’ hierarchy to get stuck into Grealish over a summer deal, while the fact that City are seemingly happy to leave him out on loan rather than closely monitor his recovery on their terms, suggests that they are still happy to sell.
Toffees have clear guidelines for Grealish transfer
Football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley recently told Football Insider that Everton see £20m as a “good price” for Grealish, but they may have to loosen their purse strings a little more to land the star permanently.
The former Aston Villa man still has one year remaining on his contract at Manchester City in the summer, and while it is clear that he has no future at the Etihad, they are under no pressure to sell on the cheap.
The Citizens will surely be willing to drop down from their initial £50m valuation from last summer, but they are also highly likely to view £20m as a deal that would not be worth their time.
Other clubs will be able to make moves for Grealish once again in the summer, and City will surely be hoping to see a bidding war ensue for the veteran to drive up their potential fee.
Everton have clear intentions for the amount of money that they want to spend on the winger, but they will surely have to raise that a little if they truly want to strike a deal.