Jack Grealish was one of the standout players for Aston Villa in the 2020/21 season. The English midfielder was in top form during the first half of the season before an unfortunate shin injury ruled him out for nearly three months.
Before his spell on the sidelines, Grealish scored six goals and made 10 assists in 22 Premier League appearances. The 25-year-old also made his England debut against Denmark in September 2020 and made five appearances for the Three Lions later in the season before his injury.
Following Grealish’s injury, Villa were in the race for a European place in the Premier League. The Midlands side won just three of their 12 games without Grealish, proving his influence at the club.
But, following an impressive season at Villa Park, several top clubs are keeping an eye on the attacking midfielder. The interest has raised questions about whether Grealish will stay with his boyhood club in the summer or if he will be tempted to move on, but the bookies at Gamblers Pro says they have him as a favourite to stay at Villa for at least another season.
Interest from Manchester
Grealish has been linked with a move to Manchester United since last summer’s transfer window. United were keen to sign the midfielder last year, but the Red Devils have reportedly turned their attention towards Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jadon Sancho instead.
As a result, Man City have sparked their interest in Grealish. The Citizens reportedly set to spend £100 million to bring the 25-year-old to the Etihad. But City would need to raise funds to sign Grealish, either through a swap deal with Villa or by selling players.
Following City’s success in 2020/21, winning the Premier League and EFL Cup, Grealish could be tempted to swap Birmingham for Manchester. The attacking midfielder could also be drawn to the guarantee of Champions League football and the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola next season.
Why would he stay at Villa Park?
Although there is interest in Grealish, he has a long-term contract at Villa Park, which could prove to be a stumbling block for any potential transfer. Last summer, Grealish signed a five-year deal worth £120,000 per week, with Villa until 2025.
Any interested clubs would have to pay a lucrative sum to lure Grealish away from Villa Park. The Aston Villa hierarchy would also be unwilling to sell their captain at any price as the club looks to push on for European qualification next season.
While Grealish may be tempted by a move to City, he may not get as much game time for the Citizens compared to Villa. Grealish is the focal point for Dean Smith’s side, and they will build around him in a bid for success in the Premier League next season. City regularly rotated their squad throughout the 2020/21 season, with a full roster of top international players available.
The potential of being the biggest player for Villa could be enough to keep Grealish at the club. Also, due to the length of his contract and the massive transfer fee Villa would demand, Grealish will likely stay at Villa for another season.
But if the Midlands club can’t push on and make the European places next season, Grealish could move next summer.