Jack Grealish is set to return to Everton after the Toffees agreed a deal to re-sign the 30-year-old on loan until the end of the season, ending any suggestions he could be heading to Villa Park. The England international is scheduled to undergo a medical on Tuesday morning before completing his move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
According to The Athletic, Grealish chose to re-join Everton following an impressive loan spell at the Merseyside club last season. Sunderland and Aston Villa were among the other clubs interested in a move, but the former Villa skipper has opted for a return to Goodison Park.
Loan spell and injury setback
Grealish made 22 appearances for David Moyes' side last season before suffering a stress fracture in his foot in January, which ended his campaign prematurely. He returned to Manchester City in the summer and featured in their opening two matches of the season against Arsenal in the Community Shield and Bournemouth in the Premier League.
However, the 30-year-old was left out of Enzo Maresca's squad for the trip to Crystal Palace on Friday as he closed in on a move back to Everton. Now, more than 72 hours later, the Toffees have agreed a deal with City to take Grealish again on loan until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Villa links and record transfer
At the time of his Villa exit, Grealish was a British record transfer after his £100m move to Manchester City. Speaking at the time, he said: "It was obviously a difficult few months because I have been an Aston Villa fan for my whole life. But when I spoke to the manager here and you see what type of players they have got here, in the end it was something I couldn't say no to. I am absolutely delighted to be here."
The news brings an end to the fanciful notion that Grealish would re-sign for Aston Villa at a time when the club were losing fan favourites across the squad. Despite some fans holding a candle for their former skipper, the reality is that Grealish will now continue his career on Merseyside.
Impact and next steps
Grealish's return to Everton bolsters David Moyes' attacking options for the remainder of the season. The club will hope the 30-year-old can replicate the form he showed before his injury, having impressed during his previous loan spell.
For Aston Villa, the focus now shifts to completing their own transfer deadline day business, with two signings expected and a departure needed. Unai Emery has also confirmed a decision on Tammy Abraham's future after the Arsenal defeat.
