Everton confirmed a deadline-day return for Jack Grealish, bringing the England winger back to Merseyside on a season-long loan from Manchester City, even as their pursuit of Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee ended in disappointment.
Grealish, 30, spent the second half of last season with the Toffees before a foot injury cut his campaign short in January. In that spell he made 20 appearances, scoring twice and setting up six goals, and was named the Premier League's Player of the Month for August. His performances were enough to convince David Moyes and the club to bring him back for a second consecutive loan spell, despite reported interest from other sides, including his boyhood club Aston Villa.
The move effectively signals the end of Grealish's time at Manchester City. With just a year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, the £100m signing from Villa in August 2021 now appears destined to depart on a free transfer once his current deal expires, having fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola. Grealish did feature for City in their Community Shield defeat to Arsenal on 16 August and again in their season-opening 2-1 win over Bournemouth, but a return to Goodison Park territory offers him a fresh chance to rediscover regular football.
Speaking about his decision to rejoin Everton, Grealish made clear the emotional pull behind the move.