Jack Grealish, the talented 29-year-old winger, has had a challenging season at Manchester City, sparking speculation about a potential return to his former club, Aston Villa. Grealish, who left Villa for City in a record-breaking £100 million transfer in 2021, has since won a host of trophies, including three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. However, recent comments from his former Villa teammate, Henri Lansbury, suggest that a return to his boyhood club might be beneficial for Grealish, especially given the difficulties he has faced in establishing himself at City.
Since his move to Manchester City, Grealish’s role on the field has changed drastically under Pep Guardiola’s tactical approach. Known for his free-flowing, creative play at Aston Villa, Grealish was often the focal point of Villa’s attacking strategy, where his teammates would rely on him to generate scoring opportunities. But under Guardiola’s system, Grealish’s contributions have often been constrained by the strict tactical structure that City employs, which can sometimes limit his natural creativity and instinctive play.
Lansbury, who is still a close friend of Grealish, shared his views on Grealish’s career trajectory at the launch event for Ladbrokes’ Gaffer of all Accas. He acknowledged that Grealish’s move to City was a monumental step forward in his career, bringing him immense success and well-deserved accolades. However, Lansbury suggested that the tactical environment at City might be stifling Grealish’s potential to showcase his best football.
“The move to Manchester City was a dream come true for Jack, and he deserves all the success he’s achieved there,” Lansbury commented. “But you have to remember that he’s now part of a team where, game after game, City faces opponents who sit deep with nearly everyone behind the ball. At Aston Villa, it was often ‘give it to Jack’ and let him work his magic. It’s a completely different dynamic for him now, and while he’s adapted and done well, it’s not the same as having the freedom he once had.”
Lansbury continued by expressing his happiness for Grealish’s achievements, mentioning that Grealish is “one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet” and a close friend. Nevertheless, he noted that the shift in style and the rigid structure at City could be affecting Grealish’s performance. Lansbury believes that, although Grealish continues to score goals and provide assists, he likely wants to be more involved and influential on the pitch, as he was at Villa.
Grealish’s difficulties over the past year have also impacted his standing on the international stage. Last season, he struggled to secure consistent playing time at City, which led to his exclusion from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euro 2024 tournament. His fitness issues have continued this season, limiting him to only six starts in the Premier League. With Southgate keeping a close watch on players’ form and consistency, this lack of regular starts and injury struggles could further hinder Grealish’s chances to be part of future England squads.
Reflecting on the possibility of a return to Aston Villa, Lansbury suggested that Grealish might be open to the idea, although it would depend on the timing and circumstances. “I think he’d want to return to Villa someday,” Lansbury admitted. “But it has to be when the moment is right for him.”
For Villa fans, the prospect of Grealish returning to Villa Park is undoubtedly an exciting one. Grealish was more than just a player at Villa; he was an emblem of their resurgence and held in high regard by fans. His transfer to City left a void that has been hard to fill, even as Villa have continued to perform well under manager Unai Emery. This season, Aston Villa has been thriving in the Premier League and even competing strongly in European competitions. Their impressive form under Emery could be an enticing factor for Grealish, especially as Villa have shown that they are capable of challenging at the top level.
However, several challenges would need to be addressed if Grealish were to make his way back to Villa. A significant obstacle is the financial aspect. Grealish’s £100 million transfer was a record-breaking fee, and his wages at City reflect his stature as one of the top players in the league. After recent Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns, it is unclear if Villa would be able to afford his current salary without significant adjustments. Nonetheless, if Grealish were motivated to return and willing to negotiate his salary, it could make the reunion more feasible.
In addition, it would be up to Grealish to decide if a return to his former club aligns with his career aspirations. Having experienced European glory with City and competing at the highest level under Guardiola, Grealish may feel compelled to continue at City to prove himself and solidify his place. But the emotional pull of Villa and the chance to play a pivotal role in their journey back to prominence could also be very tempting.
It remains to be seen whether a move back to Villa will come to fruition, but one thing is certain: the idea of Grealish wearing Villa’s colors again would be a welcome sight for the fans who adored him. For now, Grealish’s future remains uncertain as he navigates his journey at City under Guardiola. If his struggles with injury and playing time persist, however, a return to Aston Villa might become an increasingly attractive option, offering him the chance to rediscover the freedom and central role he enjoyed before making the leap to Manchester City.