Jack Grealish to emulate Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne with iconic shirt number at Everton

Grealish will join the Toffees on a season-long loan from Manchester City and will wear the No. 18 shirt at the club, according to The Telegraph. The move will see Grealish follow in the footsteps of footballing legends Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne who both also wore the number during their time with the Merseysiders.

Rooney had the 18 on his back when he famously announced himself to the world by scoring a brilliant goal against Arsenal at the tender age of 16, while Gascoigne took it on during his two seasons with Everton. The number has become available this summer as previous owner Ashley Young has left the club.

Gascoigne urged Grealish to leave Manchester City this summer. The former England star also says managers need to let the playmaker "do what he wants" on the pitch if they are to see his best version.

Grealish will hope he can shine at Everton and force his way into England manager Thomas Tuchel's thoughts for World Cup 2026. The Toffees kick off their Premier League campaign on Monday against Leeds United at Elland Road.