Jack Grealish joined Everton on loan from Manchester City during the summer transfer window – but his long-term future at the club is in doubt due to a foot injury
Jack Grealish in action for Everton against Aston Villa(Image: (Visionhaus/Getty Images))
Everton have been told they should sign Jack Grealish on a permanent basis this summer if they want to continue to improve. Grealish signed for the Blues on a temporary basis during the summer transfer window after falling out of favour at Manchester City.
The 30-year-old pushed to make his Everton move happen before the start of the season so he could have a chance to feature in the first England games. The former Aston Villa man has scored twice and claimed six assists in all competitions so far this season but now faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering a stress fracture in his foot.
There is no guarantee that a permanent move will be thrashed out between Everton and City at the end of the campaign, but Louis Saha, who made 115 appearances for the Blues, has urged his old club to get a deal done.
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“I think he is a type of player that has shown he really enjoys his game now,” the former forward told Gambling.com.
“He had a different kind of freedom under Pep Guardiola, that’s for sure. And there was pressure, but maybe now he really has the kind of focus that he needs.
“He was the Aston Villa star, and he was amazing, and it could be the same for Everton, where I see a good combination on both sides at Everton with (Iliman) Ndiaye.
“It’s a very impressive combination there. I really like that. And yes, if Everton want to improve, they really need those two players to be at the club next year.”
Jack Grealish acknowledges the fans after Everton’s victory at his former club Aston Villa (Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Everton committed about £12million to cover the bulk of Grealish’s wages during his loan and when asked for an update on the 30-year-old’s injury following his side’s 1-1 draw in the Premier League with Leeds United on Monday night, Blues boss David Moyes revealed the club were still waiting on the decision of medical experts over whether the midfielder would require surgery.
He said: “We’re waiting on the surgeon saying what he thinks is the right choice. We’re getting closer to it and hopefully we’ll be able to update you very shortly.”
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Speaking earlier this month, Moyes offered no timescale on Grealish’s recovery, saying: “That’s part of the discussion to be had with the surgeon. There are no dates I want to give out at the moment. We are waiting on a couple of things coming back.
“It’s a big blow because he’s been hugely important to us since the start of the season, he’s played a big part in the team. We’re not thinking about it [his future] at the moment. We are only thinking about Jack. We are upset for Jack and disappointed he has got an injury.”
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