Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Jack Grealish as the Englishman faces an uncertain future at Manchester City
Jack Grealish looks on
Jack Grealish has been linked with a Villa Park return (Image: Getty Images)
Stan Collymore has warned Aston Villa against re-signing Jack Grealish. It comes amid tentative links suggesting potential interest in a return for the former Villans skipper.
The 30-year-old faces an uncertain future at Manchester City despite being handed a shirt number by Enzo Maresca's side ahead of City's Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Sunday (2pm). The forward enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence on loan at Everton last term after losing his way at the Etihad Stadium.
Grealish scored two goals and provided six assists for David Moyes' team last term. That has led to some suggestions that a return to Villa Park could be explored.
The winger joined City for a then-British record £100million fee in August 2021. However, former Villa star Collymore has his doubts about a potential switch to Unai Emery's team.
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Speaking via 10bet, he 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.
“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.”
Jack Grealish featured during Manchester City's 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal
Jack Grealish featured during Manchester City's 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Signing Grealish may also make little sense after they acquired winger Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea.
On Villa signing the former Manchester United player, he added: “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.
“Furthermore, Emery maintains total authority over his squad dynamics.
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Everton chief executive officer Angus Kinnear has recently revealed the Toffees have been 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."