Jack Grealish has been getting a lot of attention lately, thanks to his late goal against Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
It was only his second strike of the 2025/26 season, but like his first, it came at a key moment for Everton.
Both times he has found the net this season, it has been decisive, turning tight games into wins for David Moyes’ side.
The Friedkin Group wanted a high-profile signing to kick off their time in charge at Goodison Park. At 30 years old, Grealish certainly fits that description.
He did not come cheap either. His wages are well above what most players at the club earn. Still, he is starting to prove why the owners were willing to make that investment.
Now, former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has weighed in on why the British star made the move to Merseyside.
Phil Jones says Jeremy Doku forced Jack Grealish out of Manchester City
Moyes has praised Grealish’s contributions to the team, but still wants to see him find the net more often. Even so, the 30-year-old has made a positive start since arriving on Merseyside.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Jones pointed to Jeremy Doku’s arrival at Manchester City as the turning point that led to Grealish’s departure.
“He’s (Doku) incredible at the minute. He’s done really well and he’s probably the reason why Jack Grealish got forced out as well.
“Yeah, exactly. And I love Jack. I think, you know, he looks like he’s really enjoying his football again at Everton.
“It’s nice to see because he’s the top player as well,” Jones concluded
Wayne Rooney has also spoken positively about what Grealish has brought to Everton, both on and off the pitch.
Beyond his impact in matches, the British winger has added leadership and presence in Everton’s dressing room – which is often just as important for Moyes’ squad.
David Moyes’ comments on signing Jack Grealish
After a strong start to life at Hill Dickinson Stadium, there is already talk that Everton may need to adjust Grealish’s buy clause to fit their financial plans.
Man City spent heavily on him in 2021, and it would not be surprising if they tried to get as much of that back as possible.
Speaking to the press, Moyes confirmed that Everton cannot afford the £50 million buy clause currently in place for Grealish.
“I am sure we would have to alter that [buy-clause]. I don’t think we would be in that ball game and let’s be fair adding everything into it, his age, it would be very difficult to pay that sort of money,” said Moyes.
The former Man City star is clearly enjoying his time at Everton – you could see that in his celebration. But financially, any deal has to make sense for the Toffees before anything gets done.
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