Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City remains uncertain due to limited first-team appearances this season, raising the prospect of a potential return to Aston Villa. Meanwhile, European giants Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly eyeing the England international’s services.
A Frustrating Season at Manchester City
Grealish has struggled to secure consistent playing time under Pep Guardiola, starting only 11 of 20 appearances across all competitions this season. His contributions include one goal and four assists in 1,036 minutes of action. His lone goal this season came during City’s commanding 8-0 FA Cup victory over League Two side Salford, marking his first in over a year.
Guardiola addressed the situation following City’s match against West Ham, explaining why 19-year-old Savinho was preferred to Grealish:
“Savinho is in better shape than Jack. Do I want the Jack that helped us win the treble? Of course, but I try to be honest with myself,” Guardiola remarked.
A Heartfelt Connection with Villa
Speaking to The Telegraph, Grealish expressed his enduring affection for Aston Villa and left the door open for a return:
“It’s a club so close to my heart, and I definitely hope to go back there. That’s always been in my mind. Ashley Young did it, and I want to do the same—100 per cent.”
Grealish joined Manchester City from Villa in 2021 for a then-British record £100 million. Despite his move, he has maintained strong ties to the West Midlands, supporting local charities like Birmingham Children’s Hospital and staying in touch with former teammates through a WhatsApp group that includes John McGinn, Matt Targett, and Matty Cash.
European Giants Circling
Should Villa seek Grealish’s return, they will need to act quickly. Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested, joining the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United in the race for the 29-year-old.
Villa’s Active Transfer Window
Aston Villa have been busy this January, acquiring Dutch forward Donyell Malen for £20 million and rejecting a £57 million bid from West Ham for striker Jhon Duran. With cash to spend, Villa may be in a position to pursue Grealish if an opportunity arises.
As Grealish’s struggles for playing time at City continue and speculation about his future grows, Villa fans may dream of their former captain donning the claret and blue once again. Whether this materializes or Grealish opts for a move to another European powerhouse remains to be seen.