What if Manchester City got it wrong by registering Jack Grealish’s signing? Here is the evidence that this deal could be a flop.
Manchester City hit hard! Silent since the opening of the transfer window, the Citizens snatch Jack Grealish from the Aston Villa club for 118 million euros. A pharaonic and surprising sum which makes the Englishman one of the most expensive players in the history of this sport. At 25, Jack Grealish joined Manchester City after spending his entire career with the Lions except for a one-season loan in 2013-14 at Notts County.
In sight at the Euro with the Three Lions despite a role of super replacement, the English midfielder arrives in a bloated workforce with fierce competition. If Grealish’s talent is undeniable, his transfer may surprise more than one. What if his recruitment was a bad idea on the part of Mancunian leaders? Here are the 3 reasons that prove that this transfer is not that wise.
Too high a price ?
Jack Grealish is a very talented player. It’s a certainty. The Englishman is one of the best players in the Premier League. Technically skilled, dribbler, he is also an outstanding passer. Still, the price paid by Manchester City seems far too high. This amount propels Jack Grealish as the most expensive English player and the 7th in history. Big pressure to come for the English number 7? It’s possible.
Few reference matches ⚽
The now ex-Lions captain has distinguished himself at the highest level since the 2019-2020 season. Jack Grealish has had good seasons only in the Premier League and in a second-class club, let’s face it! If he shone against the big teams of the Premier League and made some flashes during this Euro, the British attacking midfielder has few reference matches at the highest level. At 25, he has never played a Champions League match. European competition is the true justice of the peace in Europe. It is the competition that determines the real level of a player.
Not necessarily stronger than the circles already present ?
Jack Grealish will bring quality back to this Manchester City workforce. But will he win in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI? Nothing is less sure. Competition is fierce at the various positions of the attack. Capable of evolving on all fronts of the attack, Grealish will have to fight to find a place. The Englishman will be in competition with players like Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez or Bernardo Silva. Very great players who do not want to move back in the hierarchy of offensive players.