Aston Villa tipped to hijack Everton transfer for Jack Grealish amid latest news
Jack Grealish has had fluctuating fortunes at Manchester City since his move from Aston Villa.
Grealish has won virtually every major trophy on offer during his four-year spell in Manchester, but it has not come without its challenges.
It took the 29-year-old a while to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s system, and despite eventually becoming a crucial cog for The Citizens, he fell out of favour dramatically this season.
The Villa academy graduate was limited to just seven Premier League starts this campaign and has cut a downbeat figure, with elements of his struggles becoming visible to the public eye.
Unai Emery has a great track record at restoring players’ careers, and could be set to bring Grealish back to the Claret and Blues following recent developments.
Grealish to leave Manchester City this summer
As reported by the Daily Mail (11 June), Grealish is set to leave City after he was left out of Pep Guardiola’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup.
This has left the player even more keen to get his career back on track, with Everton emerging as the frontrunners to sign the UEFA Champions League winner.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Manchester City | 157 | 17 | 23 |
| Aston Villa | 213 | 32 | 43 |
The Merseyside club are looking to start the move to their new stadium with a bang, and look set to capitalise on Grealish’s disgruntlement at City to secure a favourable deal.
However, ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes that Emery’s side could be in line to hijack the move, given they can offer European football.
“You can’t rule out Villa,” King said.
“Everton seem the more serious candidates at the moment. However, if Grealish has it in the back of his mind that Villa could make a move, that could be a big plus for the player and Villa.
“Both clubs are good clubs, the only thing in Villa’s favour is that they’re in Europe next season.”
Grealish return to Villa makes perfect sense
Emery’s experience in making the most out of out-of-favour stars, such as Marcus Rashford, could tip Grealish towards an emotional return to Villa Park.
The club have looked at wide players like Alejandro Garnacho, but could be better suited to bring in someone already familiar with the club’s ethos.
Grealish has often spoken about his admiration for the West Midlands club, and a homecoming could make perfect sense for both parties.