Everton Handed Jack Grealish Warning as Premier League Clubs Prepare to Pounce

Football Insider reports that Grealish is set to leave City permanently when his contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in June 2027, with the Premier League champions planning to allow him to depart on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old is currently preparing for another season at Everton after returning to Merseyside following an impressive loan spell last campaign.

That could put David Moyes' side in pole position to secure his services permanently — but Everton may have plenty of competition.

Grealish has already shown Everton what he can offer

Grealish made a strong impression during his first season with Everton under Moyes.

His campaign was ultimately cut short by a serious foot injury, but his performances were enough to convince the winger that a return to Goodison Park was the right move.

Grealish was also keen to come back after developing a close relationship with Everton supporters.

Now, however, he has to prove that he can remain fit and reproduce his best form following his lengthy absence.

Moyes could hand him another full debut when Everton travel to Tottenham on Saturday evening.

That could be an important first step in what may become a defining season for Grealish's career.

Premier League rivals are already circling

According to Football Insider, Everton will not have a clear run at Grealish next summer.

A number of Premier League clubs are expected to keep tabs on his situation as he approaches the final year of his Manchester City contract.

Former club Aston Villa and Sunderland were both linked with Grealish towards the end of the summer transfer window before Everton secured another loan agreement.

Villa would provide the obvious emotional storyline given Grealish's history there, but the possibility of a free transfer could make the 31-year-old particularly attractive to clubs looking for an experienced attacking option.

The eventual decision could therefore come down to more than simply whether Everton want to keep him.

Grealish's performances over the coming months will determine how much demand there is for his signature.

Why next season could be different

Grealish's future is likely to depend heavily on what happens during his second spell at Everton.

As Football Insider's transfer coverage has stressed, clubs will be watching his performances and his contract situation closely.

If he can stay fit and reproduce the quality he showed last season, Everton could find themselves competing against several Premier League sides for a player who would be available without a transfer fee.

That would give Grealish significant leverage.

At the same time, Everton have an obvious advantage: he already knows the club, the manager and the supporters.

Whether that is enough to convince him to stay remains to be seen.

Moyes' future adds another layer

Grealish's long-term Everton future could also be influenced by what happens with Moyes.

The manager's position has come under scrutiny after he publicly criticised the club's summer transfer business.

There have been suggestions that Moyes could consider his position if Everton fail to provide the financial backing he wants during the January window.

That would create uncertainty over the manager who has already built a strong relationship with Grealish.

Football Insider reports that Everton CEO Angus Kinnear would favour appointing a young, ambitious manager if Moyes were to leave, while also looking to add a sporting director to the club's structure.

For Grealish, a potential change in the dugout could therefore become another factor in his long-term decision.

Everton have a big season ahead

For now, Grealish's focus is on getting back to full fitness and making his second Everton spell count.

If he can do that, the stakes next summer could become considerably higher.

City's reported willingness to let him leave for free means Premier League clubs would not need to negotiate a major transfer fee with the Etihad club.

Everton will therefore need Grealish to produce another season capable of convincing him that his future belongs on Merseyside.

The alternative is a potentially fierce Premier League battle for one of the most recognisable English attacking players available on a free transfer.

What happens next?

Grealish's immediate priority is simple: get back on the pitch, stay fit and rediscover his best form.

Everton will hope that leads to another successful season and ultimately gives them the strongest possible case to sign him permanently.

But with Premier League rivals already expected to monitor the situation and his Manchester City contract running into its final year, Everton cannot assume their second loan deal will automatically become a permanent transfer.

The next few months could decide whether Grealish becomes a long-term Everton player — or one of the most sought-after free agents in the Premier League market.