Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Tottenham in Race for Manchester City’s Flop Signing
Manchester City winger Jack Grealish is the subject of interest from three English Premier League sides, as it appears the 2024/2025 season could be the England international’s last as a Manchester City player, according to Fichajes. Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Tottenham have all enquired about the player’s availability and will likely make a move this summer.
Joining Manchester City in 2021 with Guardiola’s approval, City triggered the player’s release clause, paying a whopping £100 million – then a British transfer record for the then 25-year-old.
Much was expected of a player with a huge price tag in terms of goals and assists, but Grealish was never one for the numbers. In his last two seasons at Aston Villa, he produced 8 goals and 6 goals while also delivering 6 and 10 assists.
His first season at Manchester City was not an improvement, as he registered just 3 goals and 3 assists, even as City won the Premier League title.
The second season, which doubled as the standout treble season at City, produced very little difference in the output of Jack Grealish. Even though he featured more prominently and was as important as players like Rodri, Grealish once again produced a meagre return with just 5 goals and 7 assists.
Understanding the qualities of Jack Grealish as a wide creator is realizing that the numbers in goals and assists will never be on the same level as his contemporaries. In his four years at Manchester City, Grealish produced 12 assists and 12 goals in 93 games, which, for £100 million, is absolutely poor by the standards set by similar players.
Also Read: Everton vs Manchester City – Preview, Starting XI, Live Streaming Details and More
Grealish signed a six-year deal in 2021, which expires in 2027. With two years left on the contract, it is believed Pep Guardiola and City will be open to the exit of Grealish as the rebuild at the Etihad continues.
Jeremy Doku and Savinho are high-electric, pacy wingers who excite, but just like Grealish, produce significantly low numbers in assists. A club that once possessed Sane and Mahrez on the flanks, the fans demand an upgrade as part of the rebuild process, and it appears the club hierarchy will harken to the demands of the fans.
Homecoming Awaits for Jack Grealish?
Aston Villa’s placement outside the Champions League spots will not affect the growing reputation orchestrated by manager Unai Emery, who seems to get the best out of attackers like Rashford, Aubameyang, and Asensio – all players who appeared to have lost their way until they encountered Emery. Qualification for the Champions League next season makes Villa probably the most enticing for Grealish, going back to his boyhood club.
Newcastle also presents a strong appeal, as they sit third in the Premier League, are champions of the Carabao EFL Cup, and boast a top competitive midfield and strong competition in attack. It is the competition in attack that would worry Grealish, having to contend with players like Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and a resurgent Jacob Murphy, whose goal contribution this season alone for Newcastle surpasses Grealish’s in the last two seasons.
Tottenham Hotspur offers the least attraction to Grealish, with little hope of Champions League football – except if they win the Europa League this season – and managerial uncertainty. Grealish can take solace in the fact that he would have little competition out wide, though. One thing is for sure: the England international has not justified his price tag since joining the Cityzens in the last four years, but he will not be short of offers if he leaves at the end of this season.
EN 
ES
Post Comment