Grealish is finally a Toffee

Jack Grealish is official a Toffie. Everton and City agreed on a loan deal for what was once the most expensive transfer in the history of English football. That loan, with a purchase option set at 50 million pounds was made official today, giving the Toffees their biggest signing in the last five years, since James Rodríguez arrived at Goodison Park after his contract with Real Madrid expired. The winger with pronounced playmaking skills is now following the well-trodden path of his predecessors Gareth Barry and Fabian Delph. After Aston Villa came the City years, and when he was no longer needed in the blue half of Manchester, the next stop became Everton.

In a short video titled “Pull Your Socks Down,” Everton unveiled the long-time England international. Those lowered socks—and arguably the most powerful calves in the Premier League—were something the English top flight feared during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons, which is why, in June of 2021, City decided to splash 117.5 million into Aston Villa’s coffers, making Grealish the biggest signing in the club’s history. Under Pep Guardiola, he had to subordinate his talent to the team and tactical perfection, while David Moyes will likely have to allow Grealish to regain some of his lost individuality. If that happens, Premier League defenses might once again find him a real problem.

From sky blue to a darker shade – Grealish becomes a Toffee

“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. 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” said Grealish to the club’s website.

Rise at Villa, flop at City, revive at Everton: Grealish third player to take same road

The new Everton signing decided to choose number 18, as it has a special meaning.

“There is a reason for choosing number. There were other numbers but my two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne and I know they both wore number 18 here. So, as soon as I knew this deal was close, I had a look and number 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 Rooney before I came here and I mentioned that to him – about the number 18 – so I hope he's happy as well!” he said.