Everton will reportedly look to secure a bargain fee for 30-year-old Manchester City misfit Jack Grealish next summer.

According to a report by the Daily Telegraph, Jack Grealish has compelled Everton to seek a permanent move ahead of next summer’s transfer window after an exceptional start to his loan spell. However, the transfer fee poses a problem, even though the Merseyside outfit agreed to a purchase option worth £50 million with Manchester City.

The Toffees are instead hoping to reduce the transfer fee, as the valuation of the purchase option “is not fixed and is more a consequence of accounting than a set price” due to the duration of Grealish’s contract. Considering the Englishman will have only one year remaining on his deal next year, Everton will aim to secure a bargain price, as they also have to keep his £12 million-a-year salary in mind.

Jack Grealish and his improving fortunes

Jack Grealish has started resurrecting his stuttering fortunes since completing a season-long loan move to Everton. The 30-year-old struggled to make his mark after joining Manchester City in a big-money move four years ago. So, it was hardly surprising that the Citizens wanted to part ways with him this past summer.

While a permanent exit did not materialise, Grealish has boosted Manchester City’s prospects for next summer after an electric start to life as an Everton player. The English international has four assists in only 197 minutes of game time in three Premier League outings for the Merseyside club. Meanwhile, the former Aston Villa captain’s exploits have compelled Everton to consider a permanent move for next summer.

What next?

Everton’s interest in a permanent move for Jack Grealish makes sense. The Manchester City misfit has hit the ground running under David Moyes, with the former Aston Villa attacker showing glimpses of what he can do with his match-winning performances thus far. Additionally, no other Everton player can provide what he brings to the table.

As for Grealish, the 30-year-old Englishman has joined a club where he will be an undisputed first-choice starter, which will likely help him secure a spot in his national squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the purchase option that Everton agreed to in the loan deal has left the Merseyside club in a spot of bother, as they do not want to pay £50 million for a permanent move.

So, Everton will aim to secure a bargain fee for Grealish next summer, suggesting the valuation of the purchase option “is not fixed and is more a consequence of accounting than a set price” due to the duration of Grealish’s contract. Additionally, the Toffees also need to think about the English playmaker’s £12 million-a-year wages. While Grealish is reportedly ready to take a pay cut to seal a permanent move, a reduced fee would be ideal for the Merseyside club.