adminEverton have opened talks to sign Como winger Assane Diao as they explore alternatives to Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.
Grealish spent the 2025–26 season on loan at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, impressing with two goals and six assists in 20 Premier League appearances.
Chief executive Angus Kinnear confirmed the club have stayed in touch with the 30-year-old, saying: “Jack is a player we’ve remained in contact with.
It was no secret that he decided to have his rehabilitation done here for the remainder of last season when he didn’t have to do that.
He’s a player who’s fallen in love with the right shade of blue but ultimately he’s a Manchester City player at the moment and we need to respect that.
The most important thing is he’s back. He had a very serious injury, he’s worked really hard to get back from that.”
However, with David Moyes’ side seemingly struggling to finalise a deal for Grealish, they have begun considering other targets—including Diao, who offers an exciting alternative.
The 20-year-old can operate on either flank and has been a consistent scorer since joining Como in summer 2024, netting ten goals and providing two assists in 35 appearances.
Como scout Ben Mattinson is a known admirer, describing Diao as “explosive” and adding: “Two-footed, pacey runner, pnp, instincts, composed finishing and good ball-striking foundations. What’s not to love?”
During his time in Spain, Diao became Real Betis’ youngest-ever goalscorer and went on to register six goals and three assists in 47 matches for the La Liga side.
One potential concern, however, is the Senegalese youngster’s injury history, which included several setbacks last season.
Despite that, Everton have pressed ahead with interest. According to TEAMtalk, the club have made contact over a move, and Diao is keen on joining the Premier League. Como are open to selling but are expected to demand a significant fee—reportedly in the £50m–£60m range.
Yet, unless Everton offload Iliman Ndiaye, signing both Diao and Grealish this summer may prove difficult. The Toffees will likely have to choose between taking a chance on a promising young talent or securing an established Premier League performer.
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