Grealish move to Everton hangs in balance with star player want Tottenham – exclusive
The future of Manchester City’s Jack Grealish hangs in the balance as the England international weighs up his options ahead of the new season, with Tottenham Hotspur emerging as his favored destination should he depart the Etihad.
While Everton have shown the most persistent interest in the 28-year-old winger, sources close to the player indicate he harbors reservations about dropping below elite-level competition as he aims to reclaim his place in England’s World Cup squad.
Grealish’s situation has developed into one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer sagas. Since learning of his diminished role in Pep Guardiola’s plans at the conclusion of last season, the former Aston Villa captain has patiently assessed his options, prioritizing a loan move within England over potential adventures abroad.
This calculated approach reflects both his ambition to return to peak form and his awareness that the coming campaign could define the latter stages of his career.
Tottenham’s appeal to Grealish stems from several factors. The North London club’s participation in European competition aligns with his desire to maintain visibility at the highest level, while the vacancy created by Son Heung-min’s departure offers a clear pathway to regular first-team football.
Sources suggest Grealish would welcome the opportunity to experience life in London, though Spurs have yet to formalize their interest with an official offer. The financial aspects present a significant hurdle, with Grealish’s £300,000 weekly wages requiring creative structuring to fit within Tottenham’s salary framework.
Everton’s long-standing pursuit positions them as the most likely suitors at present, with the Merseyside club having established dialogue with City earlier this summer.
However, Grealish’s camp reportedly questions whether Goodison Park provides the ideal platform for his international aspirations. Similarly, while a romantic return to Aston Villa remains theoretically possible, the Midlands club have yet to advance their interest beyond preliminary discussions.
The former Villa talisman finds himself at a career inflection point. His trophy-laden spell at City – including three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and the Champions League – has cemented his status as a winner, but last season’s reduced role raised questions about his next chapter.
With Thomas Tuchel’s England regime closely monitoring his next move, Grealish recognizes the importance of selecting an environment where he can rediscover the electrifying form that once made him the Premier League’s most expensive British player.
Tottenham’s new manager Thomas Frank could view Grealish as the creative catalyst for his evolving system, particularly given the winger’s ability to operate across multiple attacking positions.
The potential partnership with fellow England international James Maddison offers intriguing possibilities, while the club’s recent acquisition of Mohammed Kudus suggests an ambitious rebuild underway in North London.
As the transfer window enters its decisive phase, Grealish faces a delicate balancing act – weighing guaranteed playing time against competitive prestige, financial considerations against career aspirations.
While Everton’s offer may arrive first, Tottenham’s combination of London allure, European football, and attacking philosophy could prove irresistible if they formalize their interest.
One thing appears certain: whichever club secures Grealish’s services will be acquiring a player with a point to prove and the quality to transform their attacking fortunes.