MusaAfter a successful first half of the season in an Everton shirt, Jack Grealish’s campaign has hit a serious roadblock. It was reported earlier this week, and confirmed by the club officially, that he will be sidelined for some time due to a foot injury.
The issue he is said to have picked up is a suspected stress fracture, and he will now consult a specialist to find out how long he’s out for.
It might be bad news, with talkSPORT suggesting Grealish could miss the rest of the season, a blow for David Moyes’ side.
This certainly may cast into doubt Grealish’s Everton future beyond his loan spell, with the club said to be eyeing up a new Premier League attacker.
Everton targeting Jack Grealish replacement
There is every chance, of course, that Grealish remains at the Hill Dickinson Stadium beyond the end of this season. The club have the option to buy him from Manchester City for £50m at the end of his loan spell.
However, there is no saying they’ll look to get that deal over the line, especially with his recent injury.
According to TEAMTalk, the Toffees are said to be interested in signing Fulham star Harry Wilson, and are believed to be ‘monitoring’ developments closely.
That is because the Welshman is out of contract in the summer, so Everton could make a move on a free transfer in the summer.
However, they are not the only top-flight side in the race for his signature, with Leeds United also said to be interested.
Why Wilson would be bad news for Grealish
It has been quite the season for Fulham’s versatile forward Wilson. The ex-Liverpool academy star – who was lauded as an “incredible” talent by Jurgen Klopp – has been in scintillating form in recent weeks, in particular, operating as a right-winger and as a number ten.
Dougie Critchley of Sky Sports even described him as the “form player in the Premier League right now”.
It is easy to see why, too. Wilson has bagged seven goals and assisted four in 22 games, but his form in the last ten appearances has been unstoppable.
He has nine goals and assists in his last ten Premier League games.
| Wilson form in last 10 PL games | ||
|---|---|---|
| Opponent | Score | Goals/Assists |
| Spurs (a) | 1-2 | 1G |
| Man City (h) | 4-5 | 1A |
| Palace (h) | 1-2 | 1G |
| Burnley (a) | 2-3 | 1G/2A |
| Forest (h) | 1-0 | 0 |
| West Ham (a) | 0-1 | 1A |
| Palace (a) | 1-1 | 0 |
| Liverpool (h) | 2-2 | 1G |
| Chelsea (h) | 2-1 | 1G |
| Leeds (a) | 0-1 | 0 |
| Stats from Transfermarkt | ||
The 28-year-old is also known as something of a scorer of great goals, synonymous with having an excellent goal catalogue.
This strike in December against Crystal Palace is a fantastic example of that, with the attacker linking up for a slick one-two before firing home a sensational strike with the outside of his foot.
If the Toffees are to bring Wilson to the club, he could certainly put an end to Grealish’s time at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Of course, his future is not guaranteed, because Everton have to activate the buy clause inserted in his loan move from City.
His form has certainly been good, especially at the start of the campaign. The England international has two goals and six assists in 20 games in an Everton shirt, grabbing two assists each in three separate games.
As well as Grealish has performed in an Everton shirt, there is a case to be made that signing Wilson next summer would be a smarter move and end his Toffees career. He has more goals and assists than the Man City loanee has managed, and can operate in similar areas on the pitch.
The deal to sign their number 18 permanently is going to be an expensive one for Everton. However, they can save £50m and sign a player who has been a Premier League standout this season, for absolutely nothing.
It is easy to see why this could be considered a better deal for the Merseysiders. Wilson has been sensational this campaign, and Grealish’s form, plus his injury, may cast doubts over his suitability for the club.
The Welshman could certainly end his career at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Musa
