They have left it late, but Everton have finally sealed the return of Jack Grealish.
The 30-year-old returns to Merseyside on a season-long loan from Manchester City, with Everton reportedly paying a £2m loan fee and covering 90% of his wages.
Grealish will then reportedly join on a permanent deal when his City contract expires next summer one a one-year contract with the option of a further three years – which could be considered something of a risk on Everton’s part given he is 31 later this month.
But, that’s for the future, for now this is a happy ending to what has been a summer-long saga.
“It feels so good. I’m so happy. I think I’m at my best at everything in life, not just football, when I feel loved. That’s what the manager has given me, what my teammates have given me and especially what the fans have given me.
“Every time I see an Everton fan, it’s just pure love and the way they’ve welcomed me since that first game against Leeds, I’ll never forget that. It means a lot to me and hopefully I’ve made a few Everton fans happy.
“I had a perfect time here for the first six months, then I stayed around after I got injured. I’ve been watching all the Everton games in pre-season and since the season started.
“Now I feel ready to go. I’m ready to start training tomorrow and prepare for the games.”
Grealish made it clear that he wanted to return to the Toffees after a successful first half of last season that saw him score two goals and assist six in 22 appearances.
He chose to stay at Finch Farm to begin his rehabilitation after suffering a season-ending foot injury in January, suggesting a permanent deal was formality..
However, when the loan deal expired Grealish had no choice but to return to City, coming off the bench in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and the season-opening win over Bournemouth.
It always felt like his future lay elsewhere, but Everton seemingly did not have a clear run at the England international. Sunderland were believed to have expressed an interest, while former club Aston Villa were also linked.
In the end it was back to Hill Dickinson Stadium for Grealish, who could make his second debut for the club against Manchester United on Sunday.
