Jack Grealish completes Everton loan move from Manchester City after conversation with Wayne Rooney as playmaker takes on idol's shirt number
By Raj Mahil
Updated 12/08/2025 at 16:43 GMT+1
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Jack Grealish has officially joined Everton on a season-long loan deal. The Manchester City star - signed in 2021 for a £100 million fee - will spend the next season in David Moyes' side. Grealish spoke to Manchester United, Everton and England legend Wayne Rooney before the switch, having chosen to taken on the No. 18 shirt previously worn by the former striker.
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Jack Grealish has completed his loan move from Manchester City to Everton.
The playmaker has fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola during the last two years, having helped City to the treble in 2022/23.
He now has the chance to shine as Everton's star man in the club's opening campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
At the end of July, manager David Moyes bemoaned his club's inability to make signings this summer to light up their new home, claiming they were "not ready" and needed "five or six" more additions to the squad.
Grealish has now bolstered the ranks, with the England international signing a temporary deal for 2025/26, during which he will wear the No. 18 shirt - following the lead of his idols.
He told Everton TV: "I'm over the moon to have signed for Everton - It's massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans.
"As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go. On social media, I've been flooded with messages from Everton supporters, so there's that side of it as well and that's another reason why I chose Everton.
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"I want to say thank you to the fans for all of the messages I've had already. Thank you for all of the love and support. I hope I can repay you now and I'm sure I will.
"There is a reason for [choosing No. 18]. There were other numbers but my two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne and I know they both wore No. 18 here.
"So, as soon as I knew this deal was close, I had a look and No. 18 was free, so that was perfect for me and it was the only number I was going to take from that point.
"I spoke to Wayne before I came here and I mentioned that to him, so I hope he's happy as well!"
Grealish's time at City has been up and down following his £100 million transfer from boyhood club Aston Villa in 2021.
His best campaign came in 2022/23, with 12 goal contributions in 28 Premier League appearances. The two seasons since have seen just six goal involvements across 40 appearances in total.
Grealish is a three-time Premier League champion, while also boasting UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup medals.
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