Jack Grealish return: Man City agreement likelihood after what teammates say
Jack Grealish has been linked with a return to Aston Villa.
Grealish, 29, left Villa Park in 2021 to move to Manchester City for £100million.
The Villa academy graduate has since struggled at the Etihad, registering just 40 goal contributions in 157 appearances across all competitions.
Grealish is now set to end his trophy-laden spell in the North-West, after being left out of City’s Club World Cup squad over the summer.
Villa are interested in bringing the winger back to the Midlands, but face competition from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Napoli.
Grealish’s Villa return unlikely as City teammates consider him a ‘rest station’
Although he has won many trophies at the Etihad, Grealish’s play style has been stifled.
At Villa, the Englishman was a flashy, luxury player who was the main creative outlet for a struggling side.
He was the main focal point at Villa Park, but that has been subdued to the role of a “rest station”, according to his City teammates.
The Sunday Mirror’s print edition (page 70, 20 July) reported that Grealish’s role in Manchester is to win free kicks or keep possession, allowing his teammates to “take a breather”.
They later say that his time at City is surely over, but that Villa would not be the best place for him, nor is an agreement likely.
A Villa homecoming is complicated due to City’s European fight with Unai Emery’s side last season, which saw the Villans miss out on Champions League football on the final day.
There is also doubt that Emery would be the ideal boss for the winger.
Grealish’s timeline doesn’t align with Villa’s
Grealish will always be remembered for his time at Villa, and a move back this summer cannot be ruled out.
However, a move for the winger doesn’t make sense for Emery’s side.
| Jack Grealish Aston Villa stats | Total |
| Appearances | 213 |
| Goals | 32 |
| Assists | 43 |
Grealish has struggled for four years now, and he would need time to revert to his unique play style from his first spell.
Villa don’t have time to wait for Grealish, and they need a goal threat from wide areas, something the Englishman doesn’t guarantee anymore.
It may be best for both parties to stay on seperate paths.
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