Unai Emery is said to be interested in bringing Jack Grealish back to Aston Villa, if Manchester City decide to sell.
That is according to Football agent Haydn Dodge, who told Fabrizio Romano that the Villans could look to bring the England international back to the Midlands if Pep Guardiola decides to bid for Jude Bellingham.
What’s the story?
Well, during a chat with the reliable Italian journalist Romano for Caught Offside, Dodge said: “There are talks in the industry that Jack Grealish may be sacrificed (for Financial Fair Play reasons) if City decide to go in for Bellingham – from what I’m hearing too, Aston Villa could look to bring Grealish back.”
The Borussia Dortmund No.22 is expected to cost £130m this summer, so the Citizens will surely have to make a significant sale if they want to get a deal for the 19-year-old finalised.
You can certainly understand why Grealish would be someone Guardiola is happy to sacrifice.
The 27-year-old has largely struggled to shine at the Etihad Stadium, scoring just seven goals in 55 appearances since his £100m move from Aston Villa in August 2021.
Grealish scored the same amount of goals in his final season at Villa Park alone, which puts his struggles into perspective.
Aston Villa fans may reject Jack Grealish
Interestingly, the Manchester City No.10 was booed by Aston Villa fans on his return to Villa Park last season, so it remains to be seen how they would react to him rejoining the club.
Some supporters were frustrated by the fact Grealish left so soon after penning a five-year contract and verbally pledging his future to his boyhood side.
While we understand their annoyance, it isn’t often that a player has the chance to make a £100m move to one of Europe’s elite, so we can see why the Birmingham-born maestro took the opportunity.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out too well for Grealish, but if he does return to Aston Villa as a result, he should be given the chance to make amends.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
