AdminStan Collymore has warned Aston Villa against bringing Jack Grealish back to Villa Park, despite growing suggestions that the club could explore a move for their former captain.
The 30-year-old’s future at Manchester City remains uncertain after a difficult spell at the Etihad. Grealish enjoyed a brighter campaign on loan at Everton last season, scoring twice and providing six assists under David Moyes.
Those performances have fuelled speculation that Villa could consider a reunion with the winger, who left for City in August 2021 in a British-record £100million transfer.
However, Collymore believes Grealish would not suit Unai Emery’s current requirements.
Speaking via 10bet, he said: “No, I don’t think Jack is a good fit for Villa nowadays. I’m a huge fan of his, but Villa desperately need direct pace on the flanks.
“Villa require direct wingers who can beat their man on the outside and drive to the byline.”
Collymore also pointed to Villa’s recent signing of Alejandro Garnacho as another reason to avoid bringing Grealish back.
“Garnacho brings raw pace and a point to prove under Emery. I watched him dismantle Villa’s right flank from the stands at Stamford Bridge last season – beating Matty Cash repeatedly, cutting inside, and delivering low balls across the box.
“Furthermore, Emery maintains total authority over his squad dynamics.
Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear recently confirmed the club remains in contact with Grealish.
“Jack is a player we’ve remained in contact with,” he said in an exclusive interview with BBC Radio Merseyside.
“It was no secret that he decided to have his rehabilitation done here for the remainder of last season when he didn’t have to do that.
“He’s a player who’s fallen in love with the right shade of blue but ultimately he’s a Manchester City player at the moment and we need to respect that.
“The most important thing is he’s back. He had a very serious injury, he’s worked really hard to get back from that.”
Admin
