Jack Grealish gives first interview on becoming Everton’s newest signing

Jack Grealish gives first interview on becoming Everton’s newest signing, joining the club on a season long loan from Man City.

He expressed excitement about joining Everton, citing the club’s fans and a conversation with Moyes as key reasons.

Grealish chose the number 18 to honour his favourite English players, Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, who wore it at Everton.

Moyes highlighted Grealish’s experience and potential to reclaim a spot in the England squad, aiming to help him showcase his best form.

CLUB STATEMENT:

Everton have completed the loan signing of Jack Grealish from Manchester City.

The 29-year-old England international will spend the 2025/26 campaign with the Blues and will wear the Club’s number 18 shirt.

Grealish, a serial winner with three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup under his belt at City, becomes David Moyes’ sixth signing of the summer transfer window following the permanent acquisition of Charly Alcaraz and additions of Thierno Barry, Mark Travers, Adam Aznou and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Speaking to evertontv after sealing his move to Merseyside, Grealish said: “I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton – It’s massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans.

“As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go. On social media, I’ve been flooded with messages from Everton supporters, so there’s that side of it as well and that’s another reason why I chose Everton.

“I want to say thank you to the fans for all of the messages I’ve had already. Thank you for all of the love and support. I hope I can repay you now and I’m sure I will.”

Birmingham-born Grealish came through the ranks at Aston Villa and, after a loan spell with Notts County, made a senior debut for his boyhood club aged 18.

He became a key player for Villa and helped the club gain promotion back to the Premier League in 2019, before joining Manchester City for a British-record transfer fee in the summer of 2021.

As well as enjoying a trophy-laden spell at the Etihad Stadium, Grealish has also been capped on 39 occasions for England to date – and was part of the Three Lions squad, alongside Blues goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who finished runners-up at the delayed Euro 2020.

Now Everton’s number 18 for the forthcoming term, Grealish revealed a special reason behind his choice.

“There is a reason for [choosing number 18],” he explained. “There were other numbers but my two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne and I know they both wore number 18 here.

“So, as soon as I knew this deal was close, I had a look and number 18 was free, so that was perfect for me and it was the only number I was going to take from that point.

“I spoke to Wayne [Rooney] before I came here and I mentioned that to him – about the number 18 – so I hope he’s happy as well!”