adminJack Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton from Manchester City, but his future beyond this summer remains uncertain—and one former England star thinks he should look elsewhere.
According to Chris Waddle, Grealish ought to turn down a return to Everton and instead consider moves to Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, or Tottenham Hotspur. The 30-year-old is back with City after his loan ended in June and featured as a half-time substitute in the Community Shield against Arsenal. While Everton are reportedly keen to bring him back—and believe the player is open to it—Waddle suggests a different path.
With only one year left on his City contract, reportedly worth over £350,000 a week, another loan is the most likely arrangement. But Waddle, speaking via Snabbare, argues that Grealish needs regular first-team football more than sentimental returns.
“Could he replace Morgan Rogers at Aston Villa? Possibly, but I don’t see him going back there,” Waddle said. “A club like Newcastle, Tottenham, or Palace would suit him best now.”
Waddle warned against Grealish finishing his career with medal hauls that don’t reflect his actual contributions. “The worst thing is people looking back and saying you won titles and the Champions League, but didn’t really play in many of those games.
He’ll know he didn’t play a lot for City. Medals are nice, but if you weren’t in the first XI for a significant stretch, it doesn’t feel the same.”
He added that Grealish never truly flourished at City, especially when compared to stars like Rodri and Bernardo Silva. “He had his runs, but his City career never really took off. He could have been in that category—but he isn’t.”
Waddle’s message is clear: Grealish must prioritize playing time. “I want to see him go somewhere where he walks into the starting XI, week in, week out. That’s what everyone wants. If leaving City is what it takes, he has to do it.”
Despite his age, Waddle insists Grealish isn’t finished. “He’s sturdy. Not on his last legs. He just needs to play. But is he good enough to start for City? He has to be honest with himself.”
While Everton fans appreciated his contribution and he gave the team balance, Waddle believes a fresh start elsewhere is the wiser choice.
“There’s no doubt he can do a job for someone—but he won’t play week in, week out at City. It hasn’t worked out there. Now he needs to go play football, not waste his best years on the bench.”
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