To offset missing out on Balogun, Everton successfully secured Jack Grealish on a season-long loan from Manchester City. Grealish, who previously spent the 2025-26 campaign on Merseyside before a foot injury cut his season short in January, chose to reunite with manager David Moyes over interest from boyhood club Aston Villa. During his initial stint, the 30-year-old England international tallied two goals, six assists, and won the August Premier League Player of the Month award across 20 appearances. Having recently featured for Manchester City in the Community Shield and their 2-1 opening-day win against Bournemouth, Grealish expressed deep appreciation for the backing he receives from the Everton faithful.

In addition to Grealish, David Moyes bolstered his squad with the versatile Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who arrives from Lyon. The 29-year-old utility player, capped five times by England, provides valuable cover across the midfield and full-back positions. Meanwhile, outgoing business saw right-back Nathan Patterson finalize a permanent switch to Serie A side Torino after making 68 appearances for Everton following his 2022 arrival from Rangers.

Addressing journalists during a media briefing in Rivers State, Wike clarified that his regular presence in the state is a strategic measure to oversee political developments firsthand rather than a permanent relocation. He emphasized that he prefers direct oversight to relying on guarantees from political allies while stationed in Abuja.

Highlighting the critical nature of the political season, the FCT Minister stressed the importance of grassroots engagement and rigorous verification of political structures on the ground. He maintained that active personal involvement is essential to safeguard his political interests and ensure proper mobilization ahead of the polls.

Elaborating on the fiscal autonomy of different government tiers, Wike noted that once subsidy gains are disbursed among sub-nationals, President Tinubu cannot legally command states or local councils on how to spend those revenues, as all levels of government operate independently. The former Rivers State governor highlighted that the boosted allocations have vastly improved the financial footing of states, shifting the landscape from a time when governments constantly faced strikes over unpaid salaries and pensions to the current reality where they can comfortably execute public projects. Furthermore, Wike commended President Tinubu for mustering the political will to scrap the subsidy—a courageous move past leaders avoided—and emphasized that public focus should now shift to holding state authorities accountable for the funds they have received.