In the electric atmosphere of the Premier League, few stories resonate like a homecoming, and Jack Grealish is poised to deliver just that as Everton prepare to host Aston Villa at the Hill Dickinson Stadium this Saturday, September 13, 2025. The 30-year-old winger, now dazzling in Everton blue, is set to face his boyhood club for the first time since his summer loan move from Manchester City. Grealish, a Birmingham native who rose through Villa’s youth ranks to become a beloved captain, has captured the hearts of fans with a poignant message that reveals his deep connection to the club he left in 2021 for a £100 million transfer to City. As the anticipation builds, his words and scintillating form promise an emotional and thrilling reunion.
Grealish’s journey from Villa Park to Merseyside is a tale of triumphs and challenges. After leaving Aston Villa, where he played a pivotal role in securing their Premier League status, he struggled to replicate his sparkling form at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. Frozen out last season, Grealish seized the opportunity for a fresh start with Everton, and the move has paid dividends. In just three Premier League appearances, he’s notched an impressive four assists, a league-leading tally that earned him a nomination for Player of the Month. “I’m just loving being back out there, playing with freedom,” Grealish said recently, his enthusiasm evident as he reflected on his transformative impact on David Moyes’ attack. His two assists in Everton’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Wolves at Molineux broke a club record, marking him as the first Toffee to provide multiple assists in consecutive matches.
Ahead of the Villa clash, Grealish’s message to his former fans was a masterclass in humility and respect. “I’ve got nothing but love for Villa and the fans,” he shared in a heartfelt interview. “It’s where I grew up, where I became the player I am. I’ll always be grateful for that.” His words strike a chord with supporters, some of whom remain divided over his 2021 departure. While many appreciated the £100 million windfall that fueled Villa’s resurgence, others felt the sting of losing their homegrown hero. Grealish’s gesture—holding up three fingers to signify his Premier League titles during a tense December 2024 match at Villa Park—sparked mixed reactions, but former Villa scout Bryan King dismissed any lingering tension. “There’s no bad blood, just banter,” King noted, emphasizing Grealish’s enduring affection for his roots. “He loves it, that’s his neck of the woods.”
The upcoming match carries extra weight for both sides. Everton, sitting fifth in the Premier League after back-to-back wins, are riding high under Moyes, who was spotted in Villa’s boardroom during their recent 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace, likely sizing up his next opponents. Villa, meanwhile, are desperate for their first win of the season, with new signings like Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho adding flair but failing to gel. Unai Emery’s side will be keen to neutralize Grealish, who has yet to score or assist against his former club in two previous encounters while at City. “We know what Jack can do,” Emery said, acknowledging the challenge. “He’s in top form, but we’re ready to fight.”
Grealish’s impact extends beyond the pitch. His move to Everton, where he donned Wayne Rooney’s former No. 10 shirt, has reignited his passion, earning praise from the England legend himself. “Jack’s a really kind-hearted person, and I don’t think that comes across as much as it probably should,” Rooney said on his show, revealing a side of Grealish that contrasts with his flashy public persona. Despite his stellar form, a snub from England manager Thomas Tuchel for the latest international break stung, but Grealish remains unfazed. “I’m just focused on playing my best and letting my football do the talking,” he declared, eyeing the Villa match as a chance to prove a point.
As Saturday approaches, the Hill Dickinson Stadium braces for an emotional spectacle. Grealish, with his trademark headband and infectious energy, will step onto the pitch not just as an opponent but as a son of Birmingham, carrying the weight of nostalgia and the fire of a resurgent career. For Villa fans, it’s a chance to honor a former hero while cheering their team to victory. For Grealish, it’s an opportunity to show his true colors—those of a player who never forgets where he came from.
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