Everton’s hopes of bringing Jack Grealish back to Goodison Park have been complicated by fresh competition, with Premier League rivals Sunderland reportedly making a move for the Manchester City midfielder.

Sunderland have submitted an offer to sign Grealish on loan for the remainder of the 2026-27 season, creating another potential destination for the England international as Manchester City consider what to do with the experienced playmaker before the summer transfer window closes.

The latest development could come as a blow to Everton, who remain interested in bringing Grealish back after his successful spell with the club last season. However, the situation surrounding the 30-year-old remains uncertain, particularly with Manchester City willing to consider both a permanent transfer and another loan arrangement.

According to a report first published by The Athletic, Sunderland have formally approached Manchester City with an offer that would see them contribute towards Grealish’s substantial £300,000-a-week wages. The proposal could also include the possibility of turning the loan into a permanent transfer once his Manchester City contract expires next summer.

That development has immediately increased the pressure on Everton if they are serious about securing Grealish’s return.

Grealish spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Everton after falling down the pecking order at Manchester City. During his time on Merseyside, he made 22 appearances, scoring twice and registering six assists before his season was interrupted by a serious foot injury.

The injury occurred in January during Everton’s impressive 1-0 victory over Aston Villa, Grealish’s former club. The midfielder suffered a stress fracture in his foot during the match and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

Despite being unable to play for Everton again after the injury, Grealish chose to remain around the club while completing his rehabilitation. He continued his recovery at Everton’s Finch Farm training base rather than immediately returning to Manchester City.

That decision appeared to underline how comfortable the England international had become at Everton.

Grealish had joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in a British-record £100 million transfer and was expected to become one of the central figures in Pep Guardiola’s side. However, his time at the Etihad has not consistently matched the enormous expectations created by that transfer fee.

His loan move to Everton provided him with an opportunity to rediscover his confidence and regular playing time, and there were periods when he looked much closer to the player who had previously established himself as one of England’s most exciting attacking midfielders.

Everton were given the opportunity to make his move permanent at the end of last season for a reported £50 million. However, the club decided against activating that option.

Despite passing up the chance to sign him permanently, Everton have apparently not abandoned their interest. The club is understood to remain open to bringing Grealish back on loan, potentially giving him another season at Goodison Park while avoiding the financial commitment of a permanent transfer.

The problem for Everton is that they are no longer the only club looking to take advantage of Manchester City’s willingness to sanction another move.

Sunderland have now entered the race, and their proposal could offer City an attractive alternative. The newly promoted club have already demonstrated ambition in their return to the Premier League, and securing a player of Grealish’s profile would represent a major statement.

Sunderland’s interest is particularly intriguing given their relationship with Everton last season.

Their 3-1 victory over Everton in the penultimate match of the 2025-26 campaign proved significant in the race for European football, with Sunderland’s victory helping them secure a place in Europe at Everton’s expense.

Now, just months later, the two clubs could be competing directly for one of the most recognisable players in English football.

Grealish’s current situation at Manchester City has also added another layer of uncertainty to the transfer story.

The midfielder returned to training at the Etihad Campus in July after completing his rehabilitation and working his way back to full fitness. He has subsequently featured under new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca during the opening stages of the new season.

Grealish came off the bench during City’s 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal before making another substitute appearance in their Premier League opener against Bournemouth.

City eventually came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory, with Grealish playing a role after being introduced from the bench.

His involvement in Maresca’s first two competitive matches could suggest that the manager is willing to use him, but his continued presence in the squad does not necessarily mean Manchester City intend to keep him for the entire season.

It is understood that City would still be prepared to allow Grealish to leave this summer, either through another loan agreement or a permanent transfer.

That leaves the midfielder with an important decision to make and gives several clubs an opportunity to make their case.

For Everton, the fact that Grealish has already settled into life at the club could work heavily in their favour. His rehabilitation in Merseyside, relationship with the supporters and positive experience during his loan spell all give Everton a foundation on which to build.

Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear recently addressed the possibility of Grealish returning and made it clear that the club remains in contact with the player.

Kinnear pointed to Grealish’s decision to complete his rehabilitation at Finch Farm despite having the option to return to Manchester City. He also highlighted the relationship that developed between the midfielder and the Everton supporters.

The Everton chief executive explained that Grealish had been embraced by the supporters and treated as one of their own, creating what he described as a strong platform for a potential longer-term conversation.

However, Kinnear also acknowledged the obvious reality: Grealish remains a Manchester City player.

That means Everton cannot simply assume that their previous relationship with the midfielder will guarantee another loan move.

David Moyes has also been reluctant to provide a definitive answer when questioned about Grealish’s future.

Asked about the possibility of the England international returning to Everton, Moyes admitted that the situation was difficult and that he could not currently provide a clear answer.

“It’s a difficult one. I don’t know at the moment,” Moyes told reporters.

“It’s a question that I can’t give you a clear answer on at the moment.”

Those comments are unlikely to reassure Everton supporters who would love to see Grealish back in blue.

However, Moyes’ response also reflects the uncertainty surrounding the situation. Manchester City must first decide whether they want to sell the player, loan him out again or potentially keep him in Maresca’s squad.

For Grealish himself, regular football will likely be an important consideration.

At 30 years old, the midfielder is entering another important stage of his career. After a difficult period at Manchester City and an injury-hit end to last season, playing consistently could be crucial if he wants to regain his best form and strengthen his chances of returning to the England setup.

Everton can offer familiarity, a manager who knows the player and supporters who already have a strong connection with him. Sunderland, meanwhile, could offer a fresh challenge and potentially a prominent role as they establish themselves back in the Premier League.

The financial side of the deal could ultimately prove decisive.

Grealish’s reported £300,000 weekly wages make him an expensive player for any club outside the Premier League’s biggest spenders. Sunderland’s willingness to cover part of that salary demonstrates the level of commitment behind their proposal, while Everton would also need to work out a financial package that satisfies Manchester City.

The possibility of a permanent move could make Sunderland’s proposal even more interesting.

With Grealish’s Manchester City contract set to expire next summer, a loan deal could potentially give Sunderland the opportunity to secure his services beyond the current season, depending on the terms agreed between the clubs.

Everton, therefore, may need to act quickly if they genuinely want Grealish back.

The club already had an opportunity to sign him permanently for £50 million but decided not to pursue that route. Their remaining option of another loan spell is now facing competition from Sunderland.

For now, Grealish remains a Manchester City player and has already been involved in the opening fixtures under Maresca. But with City reportedly open to letting him leave, his future could become one of the more intriguing Premier League transfer stories before the window closes.

Everton supporters will undoubtedly hope that the midfielder’s previous connection with the club gives them an advantage. Grealish’s time at Goodison Park was cut short by injury, but his decision to stay around the club during his rehabilitation showed how comfortable he had become in the environment.

Sunderland, however, have now made their intentions clear.

The Black Cats’ bid means Everton can no longer approach the situation as though they are Grealish’s only realistic destination. If Sunderland can convince Manchester City that their financial proposal is the better option and offer Grealish an attractive role, Everton could face the frustrating possibility of watching their former loanee join one of their Premier League rivals.

With the new season already underway, the next few days could therefore be crucial.

Moyes may not yet have a definitive answer on Grealish’s future, but one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Everton’s pursuit is no longer a straightforward reunion story.

Sunderland have entered the race, Manchester City are willing to listen to offers, and Grealish himself must now decide where his next chapter should take him.

Sunderland’s Ambition Could Complicate Everton’s Plans

Sunderland’s decision to make an approach for Grealish underlines just how ambitious the club are becoming following their return to the Premier League. Signing a player with Grealish’s experience at the highest level would immediately raise expectations around the Stadium of Light and provide their squad with another proven attacking option.

For Grealish, Sunderland could also represent an opportunity to take on a different challenge. Rather than returning to a familiar environment at Everton, the midfielder would be joining a club looking to establish itself in the Premier League and compete against some of the biggest teams in the division.

That could make Sunderland an attractive destination if they can guarantee Grealish an important role in the team.

 

Everton Still Have One Major Advantage

Despite Sunderland’s interest, Everton have something their rivals cannot easily replicate: Grealish already knows the club.

His previous loan spell gave him the opportunity to experience life at Everton, play in front of their supporters and develop a strong relationship with the squad. His decision to continue his rehabilitation at Finch Farm after suffering his injury was also seen as a positive indication of how comfortable he had become around the club.

Everton will hope those factors can help them win the race.

The club may also believe that Grealish still has unfinished business at Goodison Park. His previous season was interrupted by injury just as he was becoming an important figure, meaning another loan spell could give him the chance to play a full campaign and show supporters what he can produce when fully fit.

Maresca’s Decision Could Change Everything

Another major factor is Enzo Maresca.

Grealish has already featured for Manchester City this season, coming off the bench in the Community Shield before making another substitute appearance against Bournemouth. Those appearances suggest that Maresca has not completely ruled out using the midfielder.

However, if Manchester City receive an offer that suits the club financially and gives Grealish the regular football he needs, they could still decide that allowing him to leave is the best solution.

That leaves the door open for both Everton and Sunderland.

If Maresca decides that Grealish is not part of his long-term plans, the transfer battle could intensify quickly. Manchester City would then have to assess which proposal provides the best outcome for the club and the player.

Everton Fans Will Be Watching Closely

For Everton supporters, this is a transfer story that could become increasingly frustrating.

There was already excitement around the possibility of Grealish returning after his positive spell at the club. Now, with Sunderland entering the race, Everton can no longer assume that the midfielder will automatically choose a return to Merseyside.

Moyes’ recent comments have only added to the uncertainty.

The Everton manager admitted that he could not provide a clear answer when questioned about Grealish, leaving supporters waiting for further developments. While that does not necessarily mean the club have given up, it shows that there are still several issues to resolve before a deal can happen.

The next move could ultimately come from Manchester City.

If City make it clear that they want Grealish to leave, Everton and Sunderland could then fight directly for his signature. If the midfielder remains involved in Maresca’s plans, however, the situation could become much more complicated.

For now, Grealish remains a Manchester City player, but the growing interest from Everton and Sunderland means his future is once again one of the stories to watch closely as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.