Jack Grealish’s future at Manchester City has come under scrutiny once again, with his former Aston Villa teammate, Henri Lansbury, suggesting the England international could make a sensational return to Villa Park. Grealish’s £100 million move to City in 2021 was a record-breaking transfer and a major milestone in his career, but Lansbury, who played alongside him at Villa, has now raised questions about how well the 29-year-old fits into Pep Guardiola’s tactical system.
Despite winning a historic treble with Manchester City in the 2022-2023 season—claiming the Premier League, FA Cup, and the Champions League—Grealish’s role within the squad has been a topic of debate. While his contributions were invaluable, particularly with 50 appearances and several key assists, Lansbury believes Grealish might not be fully enjoying the style of play that Guardiola demands.
### The Shift in Style: Grealish’s Struggles Under Guardiola
For much of Grealish’s career at Villa, he was the undisputed focal point of the team’s attack. His ability to carry the ball, beat defenders, and create chances made him the player every teammate looked to. Villa’s strategy was built around the idea of giving Grealish the ball and letting him dictate the tempo of the game. However, this is a stark contrast to the style at Manchester City, where possession is king, and individual flair is often subordinated to the team’s collective ethos.
Lansbury, who spent several years with Grealish at Villa and knows him well, admitted that while the £100 million move to Manchester City was an incredible opportunity for his friend, it came with its own set of challenges.
“The Man City move was an unreal one for Jack. He deserves every bit of success,” Lansbury said. “But now that he is there, you can’t forget you’re putting him in a team where, whoever they are coming up against, they are putting 11 men and their dog behind the ball. It’s not the same as Villa, where he could do his thing and be the focal point of everything.”
Lansbury is quick to acknowledge that Grealish has been “fantastic” at City, and his ability to adapt has certainly contributed to City’s success. However, he believes that Grealish, a player who thrives on creativity and the freedom to express himself, might feel somewhat constrained within the highly structured system at the Etihad.
“In terms of a return to Villa… I think it’s something Jack would want to do at some point in his career,” Lansbury continued. “But it would have to be at the right time for him.”
### A Return to Aston Villa?
Grealish’s emotional connection to Villa runs deep. Having come through their youth academy, he played a crucial role in Villa’s rise from the Championship back to the Premier League, eventually leading them to a place in the top half of the table. His 213 appearances for the club, along with his iconic status as Villa’s star player, meant he was central to their identity during his time there.
Since Grealish’s departure in 2021, Villa have undergone a transformation under the guidance of Spanish manager Unai Emery. The club has made smart signings in the transfer market and, more importantly, has seen significant improvements in terms of results on the pitch. Villa’s fourth-place finish in the Premier League during the 2023-2024 season was enough to secure Champions League football for the first time in over a decade, a feat that many believed would be impossible just a few years ago.
This success, combined with Emery’s tactical acumen, has helped Villa grow into a team that is no longer a stepping stone for players but a genuine force in English football. In this context, Lansbury’s suggestion of a potential Grealish return makes sense. Villa are now an ambitious, forward-thinking club, capable of attracting top talent, and Grealish—who continues to be a fan favourite in Birmingham—could be tempted to return home.
“Jack is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, and he is a very good friend of mine,” Lansbury added. “I’m so happy for all the success he’s had. But if there’s anyone who would want to go back to Villa, it’s him. It’s just a case of when the time is right.”
### Grealish’s Impact at Manchester City
Since making the record-breaking move to Manchester City, Grealish has made a significant impact, although not always in the way many expected. While his stats may not always tell the full story, Grealish’s work off the ball and his ability to disrupt opposition defenses has been invaluable to Guardiola’s side. His 50 appearances during City’s treble-winning season highlighted his importance to the squad, even if he wasn’t always the most visible player in terms of goals or assists.
In the 2022-2023 season, Grealish’s ability to create space, make key passes, and track back defensively was a crucial component of City’s success. He didn’t always get the headlines, but his consistency and professionalism were key factors in City securing their historic treble. He has also contributed to England’s national team in a similar role, playing an important part in their run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals.
That said, the system under Guardiola, which emphasizes fluid passing and positional play, does limit the kind of individual expression that Grealish enjoyed at Villa. Grealish has also had to adapt to a role on the left wing, a position that isn’t as natural to him as the more central role he thrived in at Villa. Guardiola’s preference for keeping width and balance on the pitch has seen Grealish have to adjust his style to fit into the broader tactical setup, making it difficult for him to fully replicate his previous success in terms of direct goal contributions.
### Villa’s Progress and Grealish’s Future
With Aston Villa making such impressive strides under Unai Emery, a return for Grealish is no longer as far-fetched as it might have seemed a few years ago. Villa have not only secured Champions League football for the upcoming season but are now a club that can offer the kind of platform for Grealish to play an even more prominent role. While City remains one of the most dominant clubs in Europe, Villa’s growth presents an exciting opportunity for Grealish to return to a club he loves, with the possibility of helping them reach new heights.
In the current season, Grealish has featured in 10 matches for Manchester City, continuing to play an integral role, though his future is still up for debate. Whether he would leave a team as successful as City to return to Villa is a question only Grealish can answer. But with Lansbury’s comments highlighting the fact that Grealish may seek more autonomy in his playing style, the possibility of a move back to Villa is certainly intriguing.
As Villa continue to build on their impressive rise, the notion of Grealish returning to the club to help lead them into a new era of success remains tantalizing. If the timing is right, a reunion between Grealish and his boyhood club could be the next great chapter in his career, and for Villa fans, it would be a dream come true.