Jack Grealish has enjoyed a superb campaign for Aston Villa. Although he spent a significant period sidelined due to a shin injury, the 25-year-old looked as sharp as ever during England’s Euro 2020 campaign. This is probably the best time for him to seek greener pastures elsewhere. He needs a step-up in his career and Manchester City looks to be the club according to CaughtOffside.
CaughtOffside’s exclusive reports state that Man City had struck an £88m agreement with Aston Villa over the player. Grealish will be looking to sign a 5-year contract with Man City next season. Man City, who were Premier League champions and Champions League finalists last season, is making a statement by pursuing Grealish.
Former Man United player holds Grealish in high regards
Grealish would be a quality addition to City’s attack. Former Man United midfielder Luke Chadwick also holds the same opinion. He thinks highly of Grealish as a player, going as far as comparing him to Lionel Messi in terms of playing style.
“I think Grealish is a world, world-class player, or is set to become a world, world-class player. The way he plays suits City’s style really well, the way he draws defenders to him and then can split balls in and get the ball switched out the other way to create space.”
“I obviously wouldn’t compare him to someone like Lionel Messi but the way that Messi played for Guardiola at Barcelona, where he was the dribbler, the one that would take a chance, beat a player and then move the ball quickly, it really made them tick. I think Grealish is the same sort of player, not at Messi’s level yet but can stay on the ball for long periods of time and really draw a large number of players to him.”
Is Aston Villa willing to sell Grealish?
Grealish’s arrival would certainly boost Man City’s ambitions. On the other hand, it will be a harsh blow for Aston Villa. Grealish is almost worshipped like a god at Villa Park. If he leaves, the Villa fans would be heartbroken. They wouldn’t even care who they sign to replace him. No one can actually replace Grealish.
Chadwick also believes that it would be impossible for Villa to replace him. Although as far as Grealish’s career is concerned, it is the right decision to move.
“He’s an icon at Aston Villa in terms of having come through at the club and he’s a hero there, so you can understand why it’s been kept under wraps. I don’t think any amount of signings, obviously, Buendia’s an excellent player, but it’s going to be tough to appease the fans because Grealish is more or less irreplaceable as a player and a person at Aston Villa I’d say.”
