Jack Grealish Aston Villa Manchester City Premier League

Could Former Villa Man Make a Return?

Jul 17, 2025 — 4 min read
Could Former Villa Man Make a Return?
Unai Emery

Jack Grealish’s Aston Villa Return: A Dream Move or Risky Gamble?

Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City appears increasingly uncertain, with the 29-year-old winger facing the prospect of an exit from the Etihad Stadium this summer. According to Birmingham Live, Aston Villa have emerged as the favorites to re-sign their former captain, with betting odds from bet365 placing them at 6/4 to secure his signature before the transfer window closes on 1st September. However, while the prospect of Grealish returning to his boyhood club excites fans, questions remain about whether the move would suit both player and club.

A Fallen Star at City

Grealish’s £100million move from Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021 was a landmark moment, making him the most expensive English player at the time. Despite contributing to multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph, Grealish has struggled to secure a consistent starting role under Pep Guardiola. The 2024/25 season was particularly challenging, with Grealish managing just three goals and five assists in 33 appearances as City went trophyless. His omission from the Club World Cup squad underscored his diminishing role, with Guardiola citing the emergence of players like Jeremy Doku and Savinho as reasons for his reduced minutes.

Guardiola acknowledged Grealish’s quality, stating, “He’s a top player, but the players have to compete with each other.” Yet, with Grealish sidelined and his relationship with the City boss reportedly strained, a move away seems inevitable. Manchester City are open to a permanent transfer for around £40million, though they may accept a loan deal if a buyer cannot meet their valuation.

Villa’s Pull and Grealish’s Sentiments

Aston Villa’s rise under Unai Emery has made them an attractive destination for many players. Grealish, a lifelong Villa fan and academy product, has never hidden his affection for the club. His instrumental role in Villa’s promotion to the Premier League and their subsequent consolidation under Dean Smith cemented his status as a Villa Park hero. A return to his roots could reignite his career and offer the regular football needed to reclaim a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Dean Smith, who coached Grealish during his transformative years at Villa, remains a staunch supporter. Speaking to Birmingham Live, Smith expressed confidence in Grealish’s ability to shine, saying, “He’s a wonderful person but he’s an unbelievable player too. What I want to see is him playing football again because if he does, he’ll be a star for England at the World Cup.” Smith’s comments highlight Grealish’s technical quality and ability to perform on big stages, qualities that could thrive in Emery’s structured yet dynamic system.

Competition and Challenges

Villa face stiff competition for Grealish’s signature. West Ham United, under Graham Potter, have made inquiries, seeing Grealish as a statement signing to boost their attacking creativity. Tottenham and Newcastle United are also monitoring the situation, while Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli have been credited with interest, offering lucrative contracts. Napoli, fresh off a Serie A title and managed by Antonio Conte, are another option, with Grealish’s former City teammate Kevin De Bruyne reportedly endorsing a move to the Italian club.

A significant hurdle for any Premier League suitor, including Villa, is Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages, making him the highest-paid English player. West Ham, for instance, view this as a potential stumbling block, and Villa’s adherence to Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) may require careful financial planning, possibly involving player sales.

Moreover, concerns have been raised about Grealish’s fit at Villa. Aston Villa News reported that some warn re-signing Grealish could be a “massive mistake” due to doubts over whether he can recapture the form that justified his £100million move to City. Emery’s system demands pace and discipline, and while Grealish’s flair and creativity align with Villa’s attacking ethos, his recent lack of game time raises questions about his sharpness.

A Fan’s Dream, But a Practical Fit?

For Villa fans, Grealish’s return would be a romantic homecoming. His flair, encapsulated in moments of brilliance during his Villa days, could complement players like Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers. BBC Sport noted that “the vibes for a Grealish return ought to be good,” highlighting his role in setting Villa on their path to success. Yet, Emery’s structured approach may require Grealish to adapt, balancing his free-spirited style with tactical discipline.

The transfer’s feasibility hinges on Villa’s ability to navigate financial constraints and Grealish’s willingness to accept a pay cut. A loan deal with an option or obligation to buy, as speculated in earlier reports, could be a compromise, allowing Villa to assess Grealish’s impact without committing to a permanent deal immediately.

Published by
Louis Lenehan
Louis Lenehan
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