Everton are entering a critical summer window, one that could define their ambitions under David Moyes and the Friedkin Group.
With creativity in short supply, the Merseyside club are looking for value in unexpected places.
Despite finishing the season with some of the league’s most resolute defending, their blunt edge going forward left much to be desired.
That’s why they’re targeting a player of rare pedigree, someone who can unlock defences, drag teams up the pitch single-handedly, and take the burden off the rest of the team.
It’s the same logic that saw them put their faith in a young Anthony Gordon, before his big-money and somewhat acrimonious departure to Newcastle.
Now, they could be about to bring in someone Gordon himself has long looked up to.
Everton in talks to sign big-money player
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Everton are set to hold further talks with Manchester City over a sensational loan deal for Jack Grealish.
With the England international struggling for game time under Pep Guardiola last season, the Toffees see an opportunity to revitalise both their squad and the player.
Discussions have already begun over a potential temporary switch, with Everton making it clear they cannot accommodate Grealish’s current wages unless City cover a significant portion.
A permanent move has not been ruled out, but it would depend on the player agreeing to a steep salary reduction.
England manager, Thomas Tuchel, has already made it clear to Grealish that regular minutes will be essential if he wants to make England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Left out of City’s Club World Cup squad and featuring in just 20 Premier League matches last season, the message is clear: find football or fall further from contention.
For Everton, it would be a high-profile coup. Ashley Cole once described Grealish as having “that Eden Hazard quality. When you talk about little magicians who can win you games, he’s one of them.”
While Jamie Redknapp claimed he was “the real deal. He’s got everything if we play him in the right positions.”
Why Grealish could be Everton's next Gordon
While Grealish may be approaching 30 and Gordon only just 24, the stylistic parallels between the two are striking, particularly when comparing their best seasons.
Jack Grealish (2022/23)
21 (11 goals, 10 assists)
Anthony Gordon (2023/24)
12 (5 goals, 7 assists)
According to data from FBref, the City outcast averaged 6.27 progressive carries per 90 minutes, compared to Gordon’s 4.30 in 2023/24.
Both players thrived as ball-carriers, routinely dragging their team forward. However, in terms of creative output, the margins are tighter than expected. Grealish posted 4.55 shot-creating actions per 90, with Gordon just behind on 4.45.
The former Villa man had the superior pass completion rate (84.1% vs Gordon’s 76.1%) and slightly more progressive passes (4.39 to 3.15 per 90), but Gordon’s energy without the ball stands out.
The Newcastle winger completed more tackles (1.71 vs 1.10) and blocks (0.84 vs 0.75) per 90, showcasing his suitability for Eddie Howe’s intense defensive structure.
One clear gap lies in the volume of involvement. Grealish averaged 42 carries and 33.9 touches in the attacking third per 90 minutes, both significantly higher than Gordon’s 29.8 carries and 22.8 touches.
But, context matters: Grealish’s City role demanded high possession involvement, whereas Gordon often thrived in a transitional system at Newcastle.
The most important takeaway is their shared strength as vertical threats. Both players can resist pressure, draw fouls, and win territory with the ball at their feet.
In Grealish, Everton would be gaining a player who can link play in tight areas, relieve pressure under a high press, and hold onto the ball in the final third.
Crucially, they’d also be securing a player with something to prove.
A steep drop in market value, from £86m in October 2021 to £24m today as per Transfermarkt, reflects both his limited minutes and age.
For Everton, this may be an opportunity to borrow a £100m-calibre player at a fraction of the price.
He could be the ideal short-term antidote to their creative drought and a mentor for the club’s emerging wide options.
With Gordon now thriving at Newcastle, this would be a compelling full-circle moment. Grealish, too, once broke through as the crown jewel of a relegation-threatened club.
A loan to Everton could see him return to those roots: carrying a team on his shoulders, delighting fans with flair, and reigniting his England ambitions.
For Everton, it’s a gamble – but one worth taking.
