Aston Villa ‘to push through Grealish deal’ after Dean Smith chat
Aston Villa transfer links with Jack Grealish are unlikely to go away until the Manchester City outcast finds himself a new club.
Grealish has been strongly linked with a return to Villa Park, with Pep Guardiola leaving the attacker out of City’s Club World Cup squad.
Villa are not alone in being credited with an interest in Grealish, with the likes of Tottenham, Everton and Napoli also in the running for his signature.
Former Villa boss Dean Smith knows Grealish better than most and has now provided hope of a move to Villa in a new interview.
Grealish not giving up on England place at 2026 World Cup
Grealish has struggled for minutes over the past couple of seasons and that has cost him his place in the England squad.
The 29-year-old knows the importance of playing regularly if he is to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
In an interview with the Daily Mail (26 June), Smith – who is in regular contact with Grealish – said he has given the former Villa player advice on where to go next.
“Thomas wants him playing and if he is, I’m sure he’ll get back in the England team,” Smith said. “I just told him to keep calm, keep fit and be ready for whatever challenge is out there.
“He needs to go to a club but it’s also who can afford him with PSR.”
Smith may not have mentioned a return to Villa Park specifically, but a return to Villa Park certainly ticks plenty of boxes.
How much do Man City want for Jack Grealish?
City splashed out £100million to sign Grealish from Villa in August 2021, but it is fair to say his valuation has plummeted since then.
Still, with two years to run on his contract, City will not want to let Grealish leave on the cheap.
It has been reported that a fee of around £40m would be enough to sign the Englishman this summer.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Manchester City | 157 | 17 | 23 |
| Aston Villa | 213 | 32 | 43 |
Aston Villa have some PSR issues, of course, but if funds are freed up then a £40m move for Grealish cannot be entirely ruled out.
As Smith says, Grealish needs to find somewhere he is loved and where he will play more regularly, which is very much the case at Villa Park.
Many fans would not support a move for Grealish, but stranger things have certainly happened.
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