Former Everton Boss Provides Decisive Update On The Club’s Deal For 30-Year-Old: Why Do The Toffees Need Him?

A severe foot injury has sidelined Jack Grealish for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. Nevertheless, former Everton boss Keith Wyness insists the club remain determined to sign the midfielder permanently. Wyness, speaking on the Football Insider ‘Inside Track’ podcast, claimed that manager David Moyes views the 30-year-old as integral to his plans at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Wyness hinted that the injury might actually help Everton when they sit down to talk with Manchester City. It could lower the transfer price. On top of that, he mentioned that Grealish really wants a big role in Everton’s future. Because of this, Grealish might take a lower basic wage with extra bonuses for playing well just to make the move happen.

“I do think that Moyes would like to keep Jack, and he would like to do the deal. Certainly, an injury like this will again give Everton more strength in the transfer market with Man City.

“I don’t think there’ll be any problems with getting this deal done. I think both parties will accept that it’s going to have to get done now. Jack may find that his own wage demands may have to be lessened slightly as well. 

“So I think this is one area that we’ll see. It’ll get done, I’m convinced about that. But I think that everybody might have to just take a haircut from all sides, and Everton may end up with Grealish at a very reasonable deal.

“And certainly looking at the squad going forward, I think he would see that there’s something being built here, and I think he’d want to be part of that project and probably be more bonus-related in his wages as well.”  

The Big Hole in Everton’s Midfield and World Cup Blues

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – JANUARY 18: Jack Grealish of Everton acknowledges the fans as he celebrates victory after Everton defeat Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Everton at Villa Park on January 18, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

All of this is happening at a tough time for both the player and the club in February 2026. Grealish, now 30, had rediscovered his form at Merseyside, contributing six assists and two goals in 19 games, before a stress fracture in late January sidelined him. This injury not only halts his momentum but also poses a challenge for the club as it navigates a crucial period without one of its key contributors.

His impact is about more than just numbers. He brings smart decision-making and composure, helping David Moyes break down deep-lying defences. Everton want to keep him because he provides leadership, experience, and technical skill. These are the qualities that set him apart from the rest of the squad.

However, the timing is a nightmare for Grealish’s hopes of playing for England. With the 2026 World Cup in North America coming up this summer, this long injury puts his spot in the squad at risk. Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, will probably look at other players if Grealish isn’t fit by the time the tournament starts in June.

From the club’s side, signing Grealish permanently shows that Everton are serious about this new era. His high wages at Manchester City used to be a problem. But strangely, this injury opens a door. They want to sign a player whose contract expires in 2026.

They might take a cheaper deal now. For Everton, getting a player as good as Grealish is a gamble they’re willing to take. They think it’s worth the risk even while he’s still recovering from his operation. It could be exactly what they need to keep fighting for a spot in Europe in the coming years.