Jack Grealish return: Aston Villa backed to seal ‘phenomenal’ £60m Man City deal
Ben Foster and Dave Watson can’t see Jack Grealish playing for Aston Villa under Unai Emery.
The former Villa captain received a frosty reception as Manchester City suffered a 2-1 defeat in B6 on Saturday (21 December).
The 29-year-old didn’t appear to be happy with the reaction from supporters of his boyhood club which may scupper a return to Villa Park in the future.
Speaking on the Football Fill-In (24 December), Foster and Watson were unsure whether the England international would sign for the Villans, especially under Emery.
The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper said: “I don’t think they’d take him back. Unai Emery doesn’t have luxury players.
“He doesn’t have the players who aren’t willing to put in the work. It’s about the work rate first and foremost. Emery wants a guarantee.”
Watson was in agreement as he offered a transfer fee prediction: “Grealish is a phenomenal player, he certainly warranted his move to Manchester City.
“Villa is still his team but I’m unsure that Emery would want him coming back into that dressing room unless he is full throttle. It would still be a massive deal, you’ll have to pay £60m, £70m at least.”
Jack Grealish return to Aston Villa dismissed in £70m admission
The former Notts County loanee made his first start at Villa Park since leaving on Saturday (21 December) so it isn’t a surprise that boos and negative chants rang around the stands.
There is still a mutual respect between the versatile attacking midfielder and the Villa fans given that he clapped the Holte End in previous trips to B6.
It appears now that there is no love lost after an angry reaction from the ex-skipper after the final whistle.
This could end any potential chance of him signing for the Villans in the future which many supporters had expected in some capacity.
This may be disappointing to some but there is a point to be made that his style of play may not suit Emery and how he has his side operating.
The Spaniard doesn’t need a one-star man, he needs a squad who are all working towards one goal as a group which hasn’t suited Grealish in his spell at the Etihad.
In other Aston Villa news, a chief has blasted Troy Deeney over his BBC Sport claim.
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