EPL Transfer News: Grealish to Everton, Guehi AND Leoni to Liverpool, Mitrovic Back to the Prem and More
Jack Grealish Seals Season-Long Loan to Everton
Jack Grealish has temporarily brought an end to his time on the sidelines at Manchester City by completing a season-long loan move to Everton.
The 29-year-old England international was deemed surplus to requirements by Pep Guardiola by the conclusion of the 2024–25 domestic campaign and was omitted from City’s Club World Cup squad. Despite being the club-record £100 million signing, City were reportedly willing to accept offers as low as £40 million, though no formal bids materialised.
Everton eventually declared their interest and have secured the former Aston Villa star for the 2025–26 season. Reports indicate the loan agreement includes an option to buy for £50 million.
Speaking to Everton’s in-house media upon arrival, Grealish expressed his delight: “I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton. It’s massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans. As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go. On social media, I’ve been flooded with messages from Everton supporters, so there’s that side of it as well and that’s another reason why I chose Everton.”
Grealish will wear the No. 18 shirt for the Toffees, crediting his choice to former Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney and England legend Paul Gascoigne: “There were other numbers but my two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne and I know they both wore number 18 here,” the Birmingham-born forward revealed.
Liverpool Target Defensive Reinforcements with Guéhi and Leoni
Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a move for Marc Guéhi as part of their push for defensive reinforcements this summer, with promising young centre back Giovanni Leoni also in their sights.
The Reds have been active in the transfer market, signing a new striker, attacking midfielder, two full-backs and three goalkeepers. However, the central defence has remained an unaddressed weakness. Jarrel Quansah’s transfer to Bayer Leverkusen left manager Arne Slot with minimal cover in this position. While Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté form a formidable first-choice pairing, Joe Gomez’s injury record and Rhys Williams’ limited involvement highlight the need for depth.
Negotiations for long-term target Guéhi have accelerated following Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish’s admission that the defender would be sold this summer if he continued to reject a new contract. The Times reported the two clubs are discussing a £30 million deal plus £5 million in add-ons—lower than the £40 million valuation suggested earlier in the summer. With less than a year remaining on his deal, the England international’s price has dropped significantly, especially considering Palace rejected a £65 million bid from Newcastle United last summer and turned down Tottenham Hotspur’s £70 million January offer.
Guéhi has already agreed personal terms with Liverpool, according to Fabrizio Romano, pending finalisation of the transfer fee. Liverpool are also working on a deal with Parma for 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni, with both players intended to join rather than serve as alternatives to each other.
Chelsea Join Race for Konaté
Chelsea have reportedly submitted a £43.3 million bid for Liverpool centre back Ibrahima Konaté, according to Defensa Central. The Reds would prefer to negotiate with Real Madrid rather than strengthen a direct domestic rival.
Manchester United Eye Multiple Targets
Manchester United have approached Crystal Palace regarding Liverpool target Marc Guéhi, FootballTransfers reports. Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano is also under consideration at Old Trafford.
Additionally, Football Insider claims United are preparing to capitalise on Harry Kane’s £56 million release clause, which will activate in 2026, potentially paving the way for the England captain’s return to the Premier League.
United’s pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba could face competition from Manchester City, with Fichajes reporting that Pep Guardiola is pushing for a high-value move. TEAMtalk adds that United are willing to spend whatever it takes to secure Baleba this summer, even if it means facing financial repercussions later.
Transfer Interest in Manchester City’s Rico Lewis
Manchester City have received enquiries from Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur for versatile defender Rico Lewis, according to Manchester City News. Despite the interest, Lewis is expected to sign a new deal at the Etihad Stadium.
Juventus Target Premier League Midfielders
Juventus are reportedly monitoring Brighton midfielder Matt O’Riley and Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma in their search for midfield reinforcements, La Gazzetta dello Sport states. This follows an unsuccessful bid for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.
Jacob Ramsey Favours Newcastle Move
Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is keen on a transfer to Newcastle United this summer, The Athletic reports. West Ham United are also said to be pursuing the 22-year-old’s signature.
Al Hilal Official Eyes Mitrović Release Clause
According to Al-Kas, an Al Hilal board member is ready to activate the £21.6 million termination clause in Aleksandar Mitrović’s contract. The Serbian striker could then join Leeds United as a free agent.
Atlético Madrid Rekindle Interest in Cristian Romero
Atlético Madrid are reportedly renewing their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur centre back Cristian Romero, Fichajes reports. Spurs remain firm in their stance that the Argentine defender is not for sale.