Grealish was left out of City’s squad for key games last season, including their final Premier League match and the Club World Cup in the US. Despite his massive weekly wage and his past achievements at City – including three Premier League titles, a Champions League and an FA Cup – his form has dipped. Last season, he started just seven league matches and contributed fewer combined goals and assists than yellow cards received.
He originally joined City from Aston Villa in 2021 for £100 million, a record at the time. Early on, he played a big role, especially in the club’s Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign. But an early injury in the following season knocked his momentum, and he struggled to regain his place, especially with new arrivals like Jeremy Doku competing for his position.
Although Grealish had hoped for a permanent move, ideally to a Champions League club, those opportunities didn’t materialise. He now appears ready to start fresh with Everton, where he’s likely to be a central figure as they prepare to move into their new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
While Everton won’t offer him European football, the chance to be a leading man again could help him rebuild his career and regain his spot in the England squad. Being left out of the Euros was a major blow, and he’s admitted it was heartbreaking.
Despite no public fallout with Pep Guardiola, Grealish’s limited involvement made his exit inevitable. At Everton, the ball is in his court. If he can recapture the form he showed at Villa or during City’s Treble season, he still has time to turn things around – for club and country.
