Jack Grealish pictured with Aston Villa ‘hero’ after Man City CWC squad omission
Jack Grealish was pictured with a former Aston Villa favourite on social media after news he is being left out of Man City’s Club World Cup squad.
Just two years ago, the England international was a crucial figure in the Sky Blues’ treble-winning side, making 50 appearances and contributing 16 goals and assists.
But two years on, the ex-Villa man finds himself on the outside looking in. The winger made just seven starts in the Premier League last season, scoring once and assisting one goal.
Grealish now looks likely to move on from the Etihad this summer, with the Sky Blues needing to overhaul their squad after a miserable, trophy-less season.
Man City are lining up a move for Rayan Cherki, Pete O’Rourke revealed to Football Insider, and the talented left-winger looks to be the ideal candidate to replace Grealish.
Jack Grealish pictured with Aston Villa legend Olof Mellberg
Amid links to a return to Villa Park, Grealish shared a photo of himself on his Instagram story with former Villain Olof Mellberg.
The former Swedish defender played 232 times for the Midlands side between 2001 and 2008, appearing 117 times for his national team.
Grealish captioned the story by saying: “Not many people that I get starstruck over but this guy is one! Big Olof Mellberg. One of my boyhood heroes.”
Aston Villa return ideal for Jack Grealish after Newcastle decision made
Football Insider Verdict
With a move away from the Etihad looking likely, Grealish has been omitted from Man City’s CWC squad, giving him the opportunity to explore options away from Pep Guardiola’s side.
The 29-year-old will leave the Sky Blues with a bulging trophy cabinet, but with some feeling we never saw the winger hit his peak under the Spanish manager.
But rather than linger on what could have been, all focus now turns to what will be, and where the winger will go.
Grealish is not of interest to Newcastle, despite links to Eddie Howe’s side, as they already have Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes.
Which leaves the option of a return home on the cards. Unai Emery has shown his capabilities in restoring the careers of players who have been written off, as evidenced by Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio last season.
If he is willing to lower his wages, Grealish would undoubtedly fit perfectly into Villa’s tactical set-up next season, and it might just be the perfect place for him to restore his confidence.