Transfer Market: Grealish set to return to his happy place

It's not official yet, but it's close. Everton has reached an agreement with Manchester City for the return of Jack Grealish on another season-long loan. The 30-year-old England international will now undergo a medical with the Toffees, with the transfer expected to be confirmed before the window closes at 11 p.m. on Tuesday.

Grealish was at Everton last season under similar terms, which included a €50 million option to buy. He scored two goals and provided six assists in 20 appearances before a foot injury in January prematurely ended his season and dashed his hopes for the 2026 World Cup.

Despite interest from other clubs, including his boyhood club Aston Villa, the winger's preference was always to return to Everton. The Merseyside club's CEO, Angus Kinnear, confirmed to the BBC that they had "remained in contact" with the player.

This move comes as Everton looks to strengthen its attacking options, especially with the likely departure of 26-year-old winger Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City in a deal valued at €75 million.

In addition to Grealish, Everton appears close to securing the signing of American forward Folarin Balogun from Monaco for €46.7 million. However, an attempt to bring back Brazilian forward Richarlison from Tottenham seems to have stalled due to disagreements over personal terms. Balogun is set to replace Beto, who is on his way to Fiorentina.

Grealish, who moved from Aston Villa to City in August 2021 for €100 million, has featured in just two games for Maresca's side this season. He came on as a substitute in the Community Shield loss to Arsenal and the opening-day Premier League win over Bournemouth but was not in the squad for Friday's 4-1 victory against Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, Everton's transfer business may not be over, as Scottish defender Nathan Patterson could be heading to Serie A. Torino are in negotiations with the English club for the 24-year-old's transfer, though it remains unclear whether the deal will be a loan or a permanent move.