Grealish joins Everton on loan

Grealish prepares for a season long loan to Everton and will wear No 18, echoing two English icons.

Grealish to wear Everton No 18 as he chases Gazza and Rooney legacy

Jack Grealish is set to join Everton on a season long loan from Manchester City after completing a medical. He will wear No 18 at the club, a number previously worn by Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, and is expected to link up with David Moyes's squad soon. The move aims to give him regular minutes after limited chances at City last season and comes as Everton prepares to move into a brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Grealish has said his idols are Gascoigne and Rooney and wants to use the move to revive his career while aligning with the club's history. The connection between the shirt and past Everton greatness gives the transfer a story beyond a simple loan, adding pressure but also a chance for a fresh start.

Choosing a legacy shirt can shape a player's narrative as much as his goals. Wearing No 18 ties Grealish to Gascoigne and Rooney, two icons whose identities are part of English football lore. If he performs, the move could be seen as a clever bridge between past glory and a new chapter; if not, the number may haunt the player and the club.

The broader trend now includes seasoned players moving on loan to rebuild form, a test for Everton as they balance aspiration with squad realities. The outcome will depend on Grealish's adaptation, the coaching staff's plan, and how fans respond to a star seeking a life of minutes rather than a guaranteed stage.

Highlights

Time will tell if the number carries new life for Grealish