Everton have brought Jack Grealish back to Hill Dickinson Stadium after signing him on loan for a second consecutive season.
It in effect brings to an end to Grealish’s Manchester City career, with the England international in the last year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, and probably meaning the £100m man will then leave on a free transfer.
Grealish was borrowed by Everton last season, getting four assists in his first two starts and winning the Premier League Player of the Month award for August, before injury ended his season in January.
The 30-year-old became the second player to swap clubs between Everton and City on deadline day and in effect replaces Iliman Ndiaye, who moved to the FA Cup winners for an initial £60m.
Grealish, who became Everton’s sixth summer signing, said he felt loved by manager David Moyes.
He explained: “It feels so good. I’m so happy. I think I’m at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved. That’s what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me and especially what the fans have given me.
“Every time I see an Everton fan, it’s just pure love and the way they’ve welcomed me since that first game against Leeds, I’ll never forget that. It means a lot to me and hopefully I’ve made a few Everton fans happy.
“I had a perfect time here for the first six months, then I stayed around after I got injured. I’ve been watching all the Everton games in pre-season and since the season started. Now I feel ready to go.
“I love him, the manager. I think he’s such a great guy. He was a big reason why I wanted to come back here as well.
“I’ve had certain managers in the past where I feel I’ve played my best football under them – and he falls into that category, for sure.”
