Jack Grealish can’t kick a ball right now. He’s hobbling around on crutches, a protective boot strapped to his foot, watching from the sidelines as Everton’s season rumbles on without him.
But here’s the thing, he hasn’t checked out. Not even close.
And that, according to ex Everton defender Michael Ball, is why there’s genuine hope the Manchester City loanee will stick around beyond this season.
Bought in, even when broken
Grealish was electric before the injury. Match winning goals against Crystal Palace. Another at Bournemouth. A leading role in those famous wins at Manchester United and Aston Villa. He gave Everton swagger. Confidence. A bit of star dust.
Then came the stress fracture in his foot. Season over. Done.
But while he can’t contribute on the pitch, Ball reckons he’s making a difference off it.
The evidence? Recent weeks. Grealish has been showing up at Everton in the Community events. On crutches. In a boot. With every excuse not to be there. And he’s turned up anyway.
“He doesn’t have to be there,” Ball wrote. “But watching him mix with those receiving support, from children to pensioners, has been great.”
Still one of the lads
It’s not just charity work. Grealish has stayed connected to his teammates. Social media posts celebrating wins. Messages of encouragement. His box at the ground is still full of friends and family cheering on the Blues.
The terms of his loan mean he has to do his rehab at Finch Farm anyway. But Ball knows how easy it would be to retreat. To slip into home comforts. To drift away from the group.
That hasn’t happened.
“Imagine being a young player and getting to learn tips from him, or getting to just watch how a world class player handles himself,” Ball added. “I would be like a sponge watching him.”
Why this matters
Grealish is on loan from Manchester City. He’s not Everton’s player. Not yet. But the way he’s conducted himself during this injury layoff, staying visible, staying supportive, staying connected, suggests he wants to be here.
Ball thinks so anyway.
“The extent to which he has remained engaged has been impressive and deserves credit,” he said. “It also makes me feel positive about the chances of him staying at the club. He seems happy and as though he wants to be a part of this great football club.”
What happens next
Grealish will return to City at the end of the season. That’s the default. But if Everton want him back and if Grealish wants to stay, a deal can be done.
The signs are promising. He’s behaved like a man who’s found a home. Not a loanee counting down the days until he leaves.
On crutches, in a boot, still showing up. That’s not the behaviour of someone who’s already checked out.
Everton fans will be watching closely. And hoping.
