- Gareth Barry has urged Everton to sign Jack Grealish on a permanent deal.
- Grealish suffered a foot fracture to end his season with Everton prematurely.
- Everton yet to agree a deal with Man City but talks are reportedly ongoing.
Everton face a major decision this summer to make regarding Jack Grealish. The on‑loan Manchester City winger has impressed during his time at Hill Dickinson Stadium, scoring two goals and providing six assists in 20 premier league appearances. A season‑ending foot injury cut short his campaign at Everton.
Despite the injury, the Blues were impressed with his cut-short season. Everton are keen to extend his stay into a second season, preferably on another loan deal, but negotiations with Manchester City are ongoing on a reduced fees.
Grealish started the season in brilliant form, registering four assists in his first two starts and winning the Premier League Player of the Month award for October.
His partnership with Iliman Ndiaye on the flank gave Everton genuine attacking threat. However, a stress fracture in his foot in January required surgery and ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Barry believes Jack Grealish brings an X Factor to Everton
Former Everton midfielder Gareth Barry, speaking to the Manchester Evening News, has urged his old club to do all they can to bring Grealish back.
“I remember speaking last summer when all the noise was about and I thought it would be a great move for both the club and Jack,” Barry said. “I knew he would be desperate to win a World Cup space and that is why he started on fire, but unfortunately injuries stopped that happening.
“He is the type of player that Everton fans love. He is going to get the fans off their seats, he is going to give 100% and he brings that little bit of X factor as well.”
Barry acknowledged that Grealish will have options, but made his preference clear. “Jack is going to have a big decision to make and see what options he has, but with my Everton head on, I would love to see him at Everton next season, but I’m sure there will be interest from elsewhere as well.”
‘If the numbers work, Everton should try to keep him’
The former England international, who made over 100 appearances for Everton, believes the Everton are moving up under David Moyes and retaining Jack Grealish would be another step forward.
“Yeah, if I’m involved with Everton and making these decisions, then I am trying to keep Jack Grealish, as I think he has brought a lot to the club this year,” Barry said.
“He started on fire and brought excitement to the fans; between him and Iliman Ndiaye on the opposite wing, you can’t ask for much more entertainment.
“If the numbers work, then I think Everton should try and keep Jack. He seems really happy there, and the transfer would improve Everton as well. They need to keep taking forward steps like they have since David Moyes came in.”
Whether Everton can agree a deal with Manchester City remains to be seen. City may demand a significant fee or contribution to wages, and Grealish himself must decide if he wants to stay on Merseyside or pursue other options.
As a former Everton midfielder who knows the club inside out, his view is clear: bring Jack Grealish back.
- ‘I would love to see him at Everton’, Gareth Barry urges Blues to keep Jack Grealish
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on track to beat stat that has stood since 2022
- Is it essential for Everton to secure European football?
- ‘The Club has become part of me’: Michael Keane on why he’s signed new Everton deal
- Jake O’Brien opens up on Derby defeat and crucial run-in
