It seems that Everton are looking to completely overhaul their attack this summer. David Moyes’ side have lost Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who departed the club after his contract expired. French under-21 striker Thierno Barry signed as his replacement.
Indeed, Moyes will no doubt be hoping for more consistency in front of goal. The Toffees were one of the Premier League’s lowest scorers last season, with Understat detailing that they managed just 42 goals. That was better than just three sides in the top flight, all of whom were the relegated trio last season.
However, an increase in goals will not only come from the strikers, but those playing in behind them, too. That is perhaps why the Toffees are heavily linked with a new attacking midfielder, too.
Everton target new attacking midfielder
It is clear to see that Moyes wants more goals from his attack. Barry is a statement signing for the present and future, and Charly Alcaraz, who made his loan move from Flamengo permanent, is also a clear sign.
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Now, Everton are seemingly plotting a move for Manchester City and England international Jack Grealish. According to The i Paper, the Toffees manager is ‘a huge admirer’ of the former Aston Villa star, with the club ‘ready to make a pitch’ to the 29-year-old.
However, they are by no means the only side in for Grealish. West Ham United are one of the Premier League sides who will rival Everton for his signature, with Serie A winners Napoli also in the conversation.
Grealish was valued at £40m earlier in the summer, but the Merseysiders may only want a loan move for the England star.
Why Grealish would be a good signing
There is no doubt that the last 12 months or so have been tough for Grealish. He has not had any level of consistent game time at the Etihad Stadium, and did not make City’s Club World Cup squad over the last month or so.
In the 2024/25 campaign, Grealish played just 32 games for Pep Guardiola’s side. In that time, he scored three goals and managed five assists. In 2025, the attacker played just seven games in the Premier League, featuring for more than half an hour once in that time.
Yet, let’s not forget the contribution Grealish has made overall in his 190 Premier League appearances so far. He is a three-time champion and has 27 goals and 31 assists. In the 2020/21 campaign, he contributed 18 goals and assists in 26 games for Villa.
If Everton manage to pull this signing off and bring Grealish to the Blue half of Merseyside, he could be their new James Rodriguez.
The Colombian was described as “an intelligent, top player” by legendary manager Claudio Ranieri, and was sensational in a Toffees shirt.
He only played 26 games for the club in the 2020/21 season, but had a huge impact. Rodriguez bagged six goals and created nine across all competitions, bringing creative flair to their side from the number 10 role.
That is certainly the impact Grealish would love to replicate. Described as a “special” player by former Arsenal player Paul Merson, he could bring the same game-changing ability to the Hill Dickinson Stadium that Rodriguez showed at Goodison Park.
The stats via Squawka from the 2020/21 campaign show just how similar the pair are. For example, Grealish averaged 0.8 goals and assists and created an average of 3.3 chances per 90 minutes. In comparison, the Colombian averaged 0.7 goal involvements and created 2.1 chances each game.
Goals and assists
0.8
0.7
Chances created
3.3
2.1
Forward passes
13
12.2
Take-ons completed
2.7
1.8
Touches
65.2
72.6
Ball recoveries
5.2
6.3
If Grealish can replicate the form he showed in his final season at Villa Park, he can surely be the second coming of Rodriguez. The creative impact he possesses and the ability to drive his team forward is certainly similar to the former Toffees star.
This is, in many ways, a risk-free deal for Everton. Signing a player with the talent of Grealish on loan could be a smart move, especially if he can replicate what Rodriguez did for the club all those years ago.
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