Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is reportedly eager to bring Jack Grealish back to the club this summer, with the Villans hoping to beat Everton to the forward’s signature, according to 1874Lions.
Villa are currently pushing to secure Champions League qualification for next season and sit fourth in the Premier League table, level on points with Manchester United ahead of their meeting on Sunday.
However, the club are also planning ahead and exploring ways to strengthen the squad regardless of how the current campaign finishes. One option being considered is a dramatic return for former captain Grealish.
Aston Villa exploring Grealish return
Grealish left Villa in 2021 to join Manchester City in a then-British record £100m transfer. During his time at the Etihad, he won three Premier League titles and lifted the Champions League trophy.
Last season the England international struggled for consistent minutes under Pep Guardiola and later joined Everton on a season-long loan in search of regular football. The winger impressed during his time at Goodison Park before his campaign was cut short by a serious foot injury.
The 30-year-old attacker is expected to return to Manchester City this summer but will have just one year remaining on his £300,000-per-week contract. Villa are now believed to be considering a move to bring their academy graduate back to the club where he first made his name.
Emery is said to be pushing for the reunion as he looks to add more attacking depth to his squad. Villa also feel they may have the advantage over Everton in the race for Grealish due to the prospect of European football and his strong connection to the club.
Manchester City are understood to be open to selling Grealish permanently, although their £35m valuation could present a stumbling block in negotiations.
A dream return for Villa fans
Grealish remains one of Aston Villa’s standout players of the past decade. He played a major role in helping the club win promotion to the Premier League and later produced a number of standout performances that kept them in the division.
Although Villa supporters have often booed him when he has returned to Villa Park with Manchester City, the reaction has largely been viewed as part of the rivalry rather than genuine dislike.
A return for the academy product would represent a fairytale moment for the club, and with Villa expected to strengthen their attacking options this summer, Grealish could prove a popular and valuable addition to Emery’s squad.
