The 30-year-old attacking midfielder is looking to revive his career on Merseyside after an encouraging start to his first loan spell was disrupted by a foot injury.

Grealish made 20 Premier League appearances for Everton last season, scoring twice and providing six assists. He had also been named the club's Player of the Month in August before his season was cut short in February, ruling him out of contention for England's World Cup squad.

His return gives Grealish another opportunity to establish himself as a regular after falling down the pecking order at City. He made two competitive appearances for Enzo Maresca's side this season, coming off the bench against Arsenal in the Community Shield and Bournemouth in the Premier League, but managed just 53 minutes without a goal or assist and was omitted from the squad last weekend.

Grealish said the reception he received from Everton supporters played a major role in his decision to return.

"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," he told Everton TV.

"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."

Grealish remains under contract at City for another year, having joined the club from Aston Villa for 100 million pounds in 2021.

He made 159 appearances for City, scoring 17 goals, and collected seven major honours, including three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

His most influential spell came during City's historic 2022/23 Treble campaign, when he featured prominently as Pep Guardiola's side won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. Grealish started both the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the Champions League final against Inter Milan.

He was also part of the City squad that won the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup in 2023 before helping the club become the first English men's side to win four consecutive Premier League titles.

Everton, meanwhile, have made a positive start to the new Premier League season, beating Crystal Palace and drawing with Bournemouth to sit seventh in the early table.

Grealish will now hope a full campaign at Everton can restore his consistency and put him back among England's options.

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