Unai Emery has been encouraged to make a statement January signing at Aston Villa.
Ex-Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has urged his former club to make an approach for Manchester City star Jack Grealish, though he’s aware of the potential financial stumbling blocks in the way of a potential deal.
Hendrie believes it’s the right time for Grealish to escape City as he’s struggling for consistent minutes under Pep Guardiola. Now 29, Grealish only has a few years left at the top of his game and sitting on the bench isn’t going to help his longevity. Add the fact that City are underperforming and unlikely to win any silverware this season, it seems the perfect time for Grealish to depart.
It could be tricky for anybody to sign the versatile attacking midfielder as he still has two and a half years left on his bumper contract at the Etihad Stadium following his £100 million transfer in August 2021. But Hendrie reckons a romantic return to Villa could work for all parties, at least in a footballing sense.
“I’d love to see Jack Grealish back at Aston Villa. Grealish is Villa through and through,” Hendrie told 10bet.
“I remember speaking to him when he signed for City, I was commentating on one of their games, and we had an in-depth chat, and he was saying he’s finding it difficult to adapt to new surroundings. I said to him, get on with it and go on and enjoy your football. It’s your time to go on and win trophies, and that is exactly what he’s done.
Jack Grealish recently drew a blank as Aston Villa beat Man City 2-1 at Villa Park.Jack Grealish recently drew a blank as Aston Villa beat Man City 2-1 at Villa Park.
Jack Grealish recently drew a blank as Aston Villa beat Man City 2-1 at Villa Park. | Getty Images
“He’s such a fantastic person; he’s got a massive heart. I don’t think that we’ve seen the best version of Grealish at City, or the version that steps out onto the grass and enjoys himself. We’ve only seen snippets, but I think that Jack is essentially playing in a way that his manager demands of him.
“When I watch Jack play for England, it’s like he’s a different person. He plays with a lot more freedom. If you’re looking at his contributions, goals and assists, then you can say that it’s been disappointing for him, but we know he’s got stacks of ability, and we know he can contribute a lot more.
“It’s at the stage now where Jack should probably be thinking about leaving the football club. Nobody could deny that the move hasn’t been successful, he’s won everything there is to win during his time there, but I think for himself, he needs to find his enjoyment in playing again. He’d be an asset for any top football club. I would love him at Villa, but would they have the finances to bring him back? It would probably be a complicated deal to complete.
“I know the Villa fans have given him some stick, but I think they would love to see him back at Villa Park. He wouldn’t be coming for a pay day; he’d be coming to win something with Villa and help take the club up a level. It would be brilliant if he came back. I do feel he has to go and leave Man City at the moment to find some enjoyment in his game,” Hendrie concluded.
It can’t be ruled out that Grealish, who has scored 14 goals and made 20 assists in 143 City appearances, could make a resurgence in Manchester. It’s looking unlikely at this stage, though, and the 39-time England international may not have much longer in his prime. Big decisions await.
