Jack Grealish’s preference is a return to Everton should he depart Manchester City before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. The Premier League champions are concurrently showing interest in a move for Everton’s Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye, in a potential deal that could see the two players swap clubs.
Grealish spent last season on loan at Goodison Park, scoring twice and providing six assists in 20 appearances before a foot injury ended his campaign in January. The 30-year-old has been a substitute in City’s opening two matches of the new season, and manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed the club is open to his departure. "Jack is here. Until the day he is, it is my duty to try and help him to give us the best," Maresca said. "In the next four, five days, we will see what happens."
Ndiaye’s contract situation
Everton face a significant decision regarding Iliman Ndiaye. The 26-year-old, who scored six goals last season, has rejected multiple contract offers from the club and is known to desire Champions League football. His current deal runs until 2029, meaning Everton are under no pressure to sell but would likely demand a fee in the region of £70 million. Club sources maintain Ndiaye has behaved professionally despite the ongoing speculation.
Angus Kinnear, Everton’s chief executive, recently confirmed the club has "remained in contact" with Grealish. "It's no secret he decided to have his rehabilitation here for the rest of the season when he didn't have to do that," Kinnear told reporters. "I think he is a player who has fallen in love with the right shade of blue but ultimately he is a Manchester City player and we have to respect that."
Potential swap dynamics
The potential transfer hinges on Grealish moving to Everton, which would give City a strong bargaining position for Ndiaye. Grealish’s contract at the Etihad Stadium expires next summer, and while Aston Villa retain an interest, no concrete offers have been made. For David Moyes, losing Ndiaye would be a major blow, but the return of a popular figure like Grealish could mitigate the impact. Grealish was embraced by supporters during his loan spell, with Kinnear noting the club and fans "treated him as if he was one of our own."
City are seeking attacking reinforcements after the sales of Savio and Omar Marmoush. Ndiaye, a Premier League-proven creative force, fits their profile. The coming days will be decisive for both clubs as they handle the final hours of the window, with Everton’s upcoming fixtures adding urgency to any squad reshuffle. The transfer window closes at 11pm BST on Tuesday.
