Jack Grealish during Everton's match against Brighton at Hill Dickinson stadium, Liverpool, UK, 24/8/2025. Photo: *Reuters*

Late on August 11, at Finch Farm training center, Everton's new CEO Angus Kinnear glanced anxiously at his watch. He was late meeting his son and needed to call to explain he wouldn't be home. But before he could dial, someone grabbed his phone.

"Hi there," the voice said. "Sorry, but your dad will be late. We're almost done here. I'm about to sign with Everton."

Jack Grealish grinned through the FaceTime call. The moment made Kinnear's son instantly forget his father's broken promise, and Kinnear realized the 30-year-old star was already winning Evertonian hearts, both on and off the field.

Grealish joined Man City in the summer of 2021 for a £100 million (USD 136 million) transfer fee, becoming the most expensive player in English football history at the time. But he only scored 17 goals in 157 appearances for Man City, eventually being loaned to Everton this season. Despite this, Grealish's appeal remained substantial for a mid-table team like Everton.

Behind the high-profile loan were several lesser-known details, including a call from manager David Moyes in early 6/2025. Contrary to expectations, Moyes didn't roll out the red carpet or guarantee a starting position. He bluntly stated, "If you sign with Everton, there's no guarantee of weekly playing time."

Grealish assists Iliman Ndiaye's first goal at Hill Dickinson stadium, in the match against Brighton. Photo: *Reuters*

It was a crucial test for Grealish. Moyes, having watched 27 Joleon Lescott matches before signing him in 2005, knew how to assess a player. Had Grealish flinched, the deal would have ended immediately. Instead, the former Man City midfielder embraced the challenge. The Scottish manager instantly sensed the fire still burning within Grealish. "I still have a lot to give," Grealish affirmed.

Before choosing Everton, Grealish sought advice from Pep Guardiola. Unlike previous instances where the Spanish manager fought to retain players, his response was indifferent: "Stay if you want, leave if you want."

Guardiola had previously revived Grealish after the 2022 World Cup through personal conversations. Grealish impressed in the latter half of the 2022-2023 season, contributing to Man City's first Champions League title. But by the summer of 2025, Guardiola's silence and indifference felt like a farewell. For Grealish, his Etihad career seemed over.

Before signing at Finch Farm, Grealish consulted trusted sources. He spoke with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, his longtime England teammate, and friends who were loyal Everton supporters.

Significantly, Grealish texted midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who had recently left Chelsea for Everton on August 6. The reply was short but impactful: "Come on, mate."

Soon, both became key figures in Everton's midfield, helping propel the team to 5th place in the league.

In his first 180 minutes for Everton, Grealish provided 4 assists, exceeding his combined total from the past two seasons at Man City (2 assists). The trio of Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall, and Iliman Ndiaye immediately sparked victories against Brighton and Wolves, reviving a long-dormant excitement.

At Molineux stadium against Wolves, after assisting Dewsbury-Hall's goal, Grealish gave his shirt to a young fan. The 30-year-old was then embraced so tightly by a spectator that he compared it to a "UFC chokehold."

Everton fans embrace Grealish after Everton's victory over Wolverhampton at Molineux stadium, Wolverhampton, UK, 30/8/2025. Photo: *Bleacher Report*

Not just fans, but teammates were also quickly won over. Wolves defender David Moller Wolfe waited 15 minutes outside the dressing room after the match to request Grealish's jersey. Though surprised to see Grealish in underwear and slippers, Wolfe's admiration was evident.

Jordan Pickford joined the conversation to simply ask, "Isn't Jack brilliant?"

Captain Seamus Coleman described Grealish as "unbelievable."

These brilliant performances made Grealish the 10th player in Everton's history to win the Premier League Player of the Month award, an accolade he never achieved at Aston Villa or Man City. Dewsbury-Hall orchestrated a surprise presentation at the training center.

Grealish with the Premier League Player of the Month award for August. Photo: *EvertonFC*

This achievement convinced Moyes that Grealish has two or three more levels to reach. He urged Grealish to continue training hard, not just to create assists but to score more goals. "Jack is back. And believe me, he can do even more," Moyes stated.

Everton believes that if they want to keep Grealish permanently, they won't have to pay the rumored £50 million (USD 68 million). The player wouldn't need to relocate, as his family remains in Cheshire, not far from Liverpool.

Known for his sociable nature and camaraderie with teammates, Grealish is widely liked. Striker Erling Haaland has also posted several congratulatory messages about Grealish's Everton performances. For Everton fans, he's the star they've been waiting for since James Rodriguez.

With Everton's recent move to the new Hill Dickinson stadium, Grealish's brilliance carries symbolic weight. More than just a short-term signing, he has the potential to become the face of a new era.

Xuan Binh (*Daily Mail*)