Jack Grealish joined Everton on loan from Man City during the summer transfer window – but his long-term future at the club remains uncertain
Former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry believes Jack Grealish won’t be short of interest this summer.
Grealish joined Everton on loan during the summer transfer window after falling out of favour with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. One of the main reasons the 30-year-old moved to make the move happen was so he could have a chance to feature in England’s World Cup squad.
Although Grealish impressed for David Moyes’ side, scoring twice and claiming six assists in all competitions, his campaign was cut short in January after he suffered a stress fracture in his foot, which required an operation. A £50m option to buy was included in the loan agreement by City, but that valuation was placed upon him for accounting purposes.
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And while Grealish’s time at City looks to be over, Everton are keen to extend his stay into a second season, preferably on loan, and the plan is to formally explore that at the end of the current campaign. But Barry believes the attacker won’t be short of offers from other clubs this summer as he prepares to make a decision on where he goes next.
“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,” the former midfielder told the Manchester Evening News, via BetMGM.
“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.
“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.”
Barry, though, is in no doubt that former club Everton should be doing all they can to ensure that Grealish returns to the club next season.
“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,” he 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.”
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