Grealish to Aston Villa: ‘Stumbling block’ emerges as Man City demand mooted
Manchester City ace Jack Grealish could see a dramatic return to Aston Villa be scuppered in the summer.
The England international could emerge as a target for the Villans in the coming weeks and months as his time at Manchester City looks to be at an end.
This comes after falling down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola, who has reduced the 29-year-old to just 20 Premier League minutes since 6 April.
A move back to Villa Park could be on the cards for Grealish moving into the window, although the latest demands at the Etihad could take a toll on a potential deal.
Grealish deal scuppered at Aston Villa
In terms of heroic figures in claret and blue across the past 10 years or so, there aren’t too many better than the attacking midfielder.
After finally hitting a consistent run of form with the number 10 on his back in the Championship, the Villa fan never looked back and got better year on year.
This eventually saw him become one of the brightest talents in the entire Premier League, but it is fair to say a move to City has certainly taken away from that.
Grealish may have won titles under Guardiola, but there is no doubt that the unique talents that made him the player he was have been sapped away.
| Stat (Premier League 24/25) | Jack Grealish |
| Appearances | 20 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
As a result, a move away in the summer could make sense for all parties, with a homecoming in B6 potentially an exciting opportunity for the Englishman.
Former teammate Gabby Agbonlahor believes a deal could be successful, but speaking on talkSPORT (5 June, 6:10am), the ex-forward revealed a potential issue for future negotiations.
He said: “[A move to Aston Villa] could be an option if he wants to himself. I think the [fans would take Grealish back], a few did boo didn’t they but I’m sure they’d look at what he did for the club.
“I just want him to go and enjoy his football somewhere else. Maybe the stumbling block for some of the moves he might want is the wages. That might be an issue, but it’s down to Manchester City to make that work.
“When you’re not wanted by a club, you make it work. ‘Alright, you want me to leave. Give me my money.'”
Grealish could still agree Aston Villa return
If there is anyone who could get the best out of the former Villa skipper, it’s Unai Emery, in a move which could benefit everyone.
The Spaniard managed to get the best out of Marcus Rashford despite all the public discourse surrounding the Manchester United loanee.
Grealish could use this as a case study to prove to himself exactly what could happen if he were to complete a return to Villa Park.
It would take a lot for the 29-year-old to reach the heights of his previous spell, but if a cheap deal can be agreed, it could prove to be a coup for the Villans.