Jack Grealish could return to Aston Villa this summer.
(Credit: Hasan Karim)
Villa News Speaking to Ian Darke
Thu 5 June 2025 20:10, UK
Jack Grealish could make a sensational return to Aston Villa from Manchester City this summer.
The 29-year-old emerged as a superstar in the Midlands, notching 32 goals and 43 assists in 213 appearances for the Villa Park outfit.
His spectacular performances in the 2020-21 campaign earned him a £100million move to Pep Guardiola‘s side, but he has struggled to have the same impact at the Etihad Stadium.
Jack Grealish's stats at Aston Villa.
Grealish’s all-time stats with the Villans.
Aston Villa move mooted for Grealish amid City exit speculation
Unai Emery may appreciate his talent, but the fanbase would be split on a return for their former star man, with many still annoyed over his exit.
The Villans were touted as a potential destination for Grealish by the Daily Mirror (5 June) after the news that he could leave City on loan after being left out of the FIFA Club World Cup squad.
TV commentator Ian Darke has questioned whether the ex-England star would fit in with Emery’s side.
MORE VILLA STORIES
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, he said: “It is a question of whether Grealish’s style is pretty individualistic, it is whether they want that style, or whether they are looking for a more dynamic type of style.
“They have got the likes of Jacob Ramsey who can play there, I’m not quite sure he is suited to the modern Villa.
“I would like to think somebody will look at him and think, well, he was posted out on that left-hand side all of the time by Pep because it suited City tactically when he was at his best for them.
“At Aston Villa before, he was a maverick, told to roam and do what he liked really and just cause damage to the opponent as a sort of floating number 10 type.
*“I think it would be a boon to his career if somebody could get him back to being that kind of player.*”
Asked whether he believes that the Villans would take their ex-star back, Darke was doubtful, saying: “If they think he would fit with their style, frankly, I would doubt it at the moment.”
Unai Emery
There are question marks over whether Grealish would fit Emery’s style. (Credit: Imago)
Grealish should favour return to Villa
If anyone can get the best out of the three-time Premier League winner after his recent struggles, it is Emery.
The Spaniard transformed Marcus Rashford’s fortunes, reviving his stalled career after a dismal stint with Manchester United.
He could do the same for Grealish, who would thrive with more creative burden once again, but he would be competing with the likes of Morgan Rogers for a starting berth.
Whether their ex-ace is an upgrade on what they currently have is a huge doubt, and may nix a potential return for the Citizens star.
Related Posts