Stan Collymore has warned Aston Villa against re-signing Jack Grealish, as the 30-year-old faces an uncertain future at Manchester City. The former Villans skipper has been linked with a return to Villa Park, but Collymore believes the club's needs have changed since Grealish's departure.
Grealish's Manchester City situation
Grealish was handed a shirt number by Enzo Maresca's side ahead of City's Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Sunday (2pm), but his long-term future remains unclear. The forward enjoyed a resurgence on loan at Everton last term after struggling to establish himself at the Etihad Stadium.
During his loan spell with David Moyes' team, Grealish scored two goals and provided six assists. That form has led to suggestions that a return to Villa Park could be explored, with the winger having joined City for a then-British record £100million fee in August 2021.
Collymore's verdict on a Villa return
Speaking via 10bet, Collymore said: "No, I don't think Jack is a good fit for Villa nowadays. I'm a huge fan of his, but Villa desperately need direct pace on the flanks."
He added: "Evann Guessand left for Crystal Palace, Donyell Malen was sold to Roma after limited minutes, and Leon Bailey's effectiveness has waned. Grealish's game has evolved differently at Manchester City – he receives the ball wide, retains possession, and recycles it inside to central midfielders. Villa require direct wingers who can beat their man on the outside and drive to the byline."
Grealish featured during Manchester City's 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, but Collymore's concerns centre on how the winger's style would fit Unai Emery's system.
Garnacho arrival complicates potential move
Signing Grealish may also make little sense after Villa acquired winger Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea. Collymore believes the former Manchester United player brings a different dimension to the squad.
"Garnacho brings raw pace and a point to prove under Emery. I watched him dismantle Villa's right flank from the stands at Stamford Bridge last season – beating Matty Cash repeatedly, cutting inside, and delivering low balls across the box," he said. "Furthermore, Emery maintains total authority over his squad dynamics."
Everton still in contact
Everton chief executive officer Angus Kinnear has revealed the Toffees have remained in contact with Grealish. "Jack is a player we've remained in contact with," he said in an exclusive interview with BBC Radio Merseyside.
"It was no secret that he decided to have his rehabilitation done here for the remainder of last season when he didn't have to do that. He's a player who's fallen in love with the right shade of blue but ultimately he's a Manchester City player at the moment and we need to respect that. The most important thing is he's back. He had a very serious injury, he's worked really hard to get back from that."
