A former Aston Villa striker has cast doubt on the possibility of Jack Grealish returning to the club, citing the player's high wages and the current strength of Villa's squad.
Former Striker's Verdict on Grealish Return
Speaking to BirminghamWorld, the former Villa forward expressed skepticism about a potential reunion with the club's former captain. He stated that while Grealish remains a talented player, the financial implications of such a move would be significant.
“I think it's very unlikely,” the former striker said. “Jack is on huge wages at Manchester City, and Aston Villa have moved on. They have built a squad that doesn't rely on one player anymore.”
Financial and Squad Considerations
The former striker highlighted that Grealish's salary at Manchester City, reportedly in excess of £300,000 per week, would be a major obstacle for Villa. He also noted that Villa's current attacking options, including players like Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby, have reduced the need for Grealish's return.
“The club has invested wisely in the squad,” he added. “They don't need to break the bank to bring Jack back. They have quality in those positions already.”
Grealish's Current Situation at Manchester City
Jack Grealish, who left Aston Villa for Manchester City in a £100 million deal in 2021, has struggled for consistent game time under manager Pep Guardiola this season. He has made 12 appearances in the Premier League, starting only six, and has scored one goal.
Despite his reduced role at the Etihad, the former striker believes Grealish would be reluctant to take a significant pay cut to return to Villa Park. “He's a winner, he wants to play, but he's also earning a lot of money. It's a difficult situation for him,” he said.
Villa's Ambitions Under Unai Emery
Aston Villa, currently competing in the Champions League under manager Unai Emery, have shown they can succeed without Grealish. The club's strong performances this season, including a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, have demonstrated their progress.
The former striker concluded: “Aston Villa are in a great place. They don't need to look back. They should focus on the players they have and the future. Jack Grealish was a fantastic player for them, but that chapter is closed.”
