Everton fans are still frustrated over the way the club ended the 2025/26 season.
David Moyes had guided Everton to a really good position at the time of the last international break.
But rather than push on after that brilliant home win over Chelsea, Everton didn’t win any of their final seven games to eventually finish seventh.
What should Everton be willing to pay to bring back Grealish over the summer? 💰
Fans have levelled criticism at Moyes for overseeing this run, persisting with out-of-form players and making changes too late in some games.
There were also some poor refereeing decisions along the way. But Everton only have themselves to blame.
What was disappointing was that Everton had the lead in several games in the final weeks, but couldn’t hold on for wins.
And some feel the absence of Jack Grealish really stung.
Everton sources rue Jack Grealish absence
According to a report from The Athletic, some sources at Everton believe that the loss of Jack Grealish proved particularly costly in the final weeks of the season.
They felt his ball retention ability could have helped Everton to see out games better than they ultimately did.
Grealish, of course, is famed for his control of the ball and ability to win fouls.
He has been the most fouled player in the Premier League in previous seasons, and it’s easy to understand why he could have been very useful across Everton’s final games.
Obviously, he could never have played in the game against Manchester City due to being on loan from them. Everton were 3-1 up in that game.
But they also led against Crystal Palace and Sunderland.
Everton also stood to earn a point against both Liverpool and West Ham United, but conceded late goals to Virgil van Dijk and Tomas Soucek to lose both matches.
Everton’s defensive solidity was really lost in the final seven games. But had Grealish been available, he could perhaps have alleviated some of the pressure the Toffees came under.
But ultimately, there were several factors behind Everton’s failed bid for Europe, and the manager is one of the biggest.
His lack of rotation saw several players look jaded towards the end, and his in-game management in some of the games was very questionable, with substitutions coming late.
Grealish return is not a forgone conclusion
Everton have wanted to re-sign Grealish for next season, and it had been indicated that the player was quite keen to come back.
But it was reported yesterday that Grealish could yet return to Manchester City now, with Enzo Maresca set to succeed Pep Guardiola and potentially give the winger a new lease of life.
With Jack Grealish done for the season, let us know your verdict on his campaign! 🤔
He provided six assists and two goals in the Premier League 👏
It remains to be seen what will happen.
But Grealish has become a fan favourite at Everton, not just for his performances on the pitch but for the way he has embraced the culture of the club.
For the club to miss out on bringing him back would not go down well.
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