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.
Following in their footsteps…🏴
Our newest recruit on why he chose No.18? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/naL01HhaLN
— Everton (@Everton) August 12, 2025
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!”
On his latest signing, Moyes said: “We welcome Jack to Everton, and we’re very pleased to have him on board.
“I think we’re getting him at a good time because he’s experienced, he understands the Premier League, and we’re all fully aware of the levels he’s capable of performing to.
“I know Jack’s ambition is to get back into the England squad so hopefully we can help him achieve that over the course of the season.
“We’re all looking forward to working with him and providing a platform for him to show the best version of himself.”
Here’s how fans reacted as Jack Grealish gives his first interview on becoming Everton’s newest signing…
@KieranJ_1979: The most I’ve been excited about a signing in a long time!!!
@V10Vernon: Welcome Jack lad 🔵⚪️ exactly the type of player and personality we need. UTFT
@MrsTimCahill: Welcome to the best club in the world @JackGrealish. Let’s go UTFT 💙 You’re gonna smash it and I cannot be happier
@HutchTweeting: Happy Jack Grealish Signs for Everton Day, to all those that celebrate. 🥳 Might start wearing an Alice band to the match, over the about sixteen hairs I have left.
@nickweinstein27: Everyone can have their opinions, but he’s in the kit now so let’s get behind him and hope he gives us the boost we need. Excited to watch him! COYB
@smigger1878: This feels from the off he suits us and we suit him welcome to the Blues @JackGrealish time for the fun too begin UTFT!!!! 🔥⚽️⚽️🔥💙 #EFC
@CharlieMaines: Incredible statement of intent from the club. In terms of pure footballing talent and ability this is as big a signing since Andrei Kanchelskis. Go smash it, @JackGrealish!
@jc_01Avfc: Good signing for you lot if you let the shackles off him. You’ll see now why we Villa fans said he was the best in the league at the time
@PeteClappo: I hope we see the Villa Grealish! Class signing buzzing we’ve got him! He’s literally going to be our new James Rodriguez! Prob be our most creative player
@racingblogger: Phenomenal signing boys. Grealish can do wonderful things for you this year. Good luck this season, time to shine! 💙
@liambro73904720: Go smash it Super Jack look after him @JackGrealish @Everton
