Jack Grealish is Everton’s sixth summer signing
Jack Grealish has stated there was “only one place he wanted to go” after completing a season-long loan move to Everton from Manchester City.
The 29-year-old’s arrival marks Everton’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window, following the acquisitions of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Charly Alcaraz, Thierno Barry, Mark Travers, and Adam Aznou.
He cited discussions with Toffees manager David Moyes as a decisive factor in his decision to join the club at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have signed for Everton – it’s a significant move for me, to be honest. This is a fantastic club with an incredible fanbase,” the England international remarked.
“As soon as I spoke with the manager, I knew that this was the only place I wanted to be. I’ve also been overwhelmed by the messages from Everton supporters on social media, which played a role in my decision to choose Everton.
“I want to extend my gratitude to the fans for all the messages I’ve received already. Thank you for your unwavering love and support. I hope to repay you all now, and I’m confident that I will.”
Grealish is expected to make his debut for Everton in their Premier League season opener against Leeds on Monday.
The England playmaker joined City from Aston Villa in August 2021 for a British record transfer fee of £100 million. He has since made over 150 appearances for the club, contributing to three Premier League titles, a Champions League victory, and an FA Cup win.
However, his playing time diminished last season, with only seven league starts, and he was subsequently omitted from the squad for the Club World Cup in the United States.
This move to Everton presents him with an opportunity to revitalize his career and assume a prominent role at their new stadium.
Grealish also aims to reclaim his place in the England squad – a goal that Moyes hopes Everton can facilitate – after expressing his “heartbreak” at being left out of the squad for the 2024 European Championship last summer.
Everton manager Moyes commented: “I believe we’re acquiring him at an opportune moment, given his experience and understanding of the Premier League. We’re all well aware of the high level of performance he’s capable of delivering.
“We’re all eager to work with him and provide a platform for him to showcase his best form.”
Grealish will wear the number 18 jersey and explained that he chose this number to emulate two of his favorite players.
“There is a specific reason for choosing number 18,” Grealish stated. “There were other options available, but my two all-time favorite English players are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, and I know they both wore number 18 here.
“So, as soon as I knew this deal was likely, I checked and number 18 was available, making it the perfect choice for me and the only number I was going to consider from that point on.
“I spoke to Wayne [Rooney] before joining and mentioned it to him – about the number 18 – so I hope he’s pleased as well.”
Rooney made his Everton debut at the age of 16 in 2002, during Moyes’ initial tenure as manager.
Matthew Hobbs, BBC Sport:
The signing of Jack Grealish represents a significant coup for David Moyes. However, the question remains whether the 29-year-old will be more effective on the left flank or in a central role for the Toffees?
According to Opta, Moyes predominantly utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation in the Premier League after returning to Goodison Park last season, employing it in 11 out of 19 matches, with deviations primarily occurring when a back-three system was implemented.
Grealish has largely operated on the left side throughout his top-flight career, spending 80% of his 5,698 Premier League playing minutes on the left wing at Manchester City.
During his time in the top flight with Aston Villa, he played on the left 64% of the time and in the number 10 role for 20% of his appearances.
While Grealish’s signing is a statement of intent that is sure to excite supporters, it does create an imbalance within Everton’s squad, as the search for a right-winger has thus far been unsuccessful.
Iliman Ndiaye played 2,350 minutes on the left wing last season and finished as the club’s top scorer, while Dwight McNeil has also been a key performer in that position.
If Grealish starts on the left, it may mean that Ndiaye, McNeil, and summer signing Carlos Alcaraz will compete for the number 10 position – or one player may be forced to play out of position until a natural right-winger is recruited.
Moyes typically demands hard work off the ball, so if Grealish plays centrally in a role previously occupied by Abdoulaye Doucoure last season, he may be required to contribute more defensively than his natural game typically dictates.
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