Jack Grealish’s recent visit to Villa Park wasn’t exactly filled with warm hugs and applause. During Manchester City’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, the former Villa captain was met with jeers and boos from the fans who once adored him. And Grealish? He didn’t let it slide. He raised three fingers to the crowd – a cheeky reminder of the Premier League titles he’s collected since swapping Villa Park for the Etihad.
But could Grealish find his way back to the club where he made his name? Well, former Villa scout Bryan King doesn’t rule it out. Despite the drama, King believes a reunion could still happen and that fans would quickly change their tune if Grealish returned wearing claret and blue.
Of course, City’s record signing has enjoyed silverware at the Etihad but has struggled to replicate his talismanic performances from his Villa days. While Villa fans jeered their former captain, King sees this as typical football banter, rather than a deal-breaker for a future return.
QUOTES:
“I didn’t find the reaction odd at all,” King told Villa News. “There’s no bad blood, just some banter. Fans have to remember, he didn’t cost the club a penny and brought in £100 million. That deal was a massive boost for Villa.”
On the possibility of Grealish returning, King added, “I’ll tell you now, if they could have Grealish back, they would. And so would he. He loves it there. It’s his home, his neck of the woods. These things happen in football.”
RECALL:
Grealish left Aston Villa in 2021 as their golden boy, a homegrown star who had single-handedly kept the club afloat in the Premier League during tough times. However, his £100 million move to Manchester City polarized fans.
Though he’s won league titles, his output has been questioned, with just seven goals in 72 league appearances for City.
Saturday’s clash against Villa only added fuel to the fire. Grealish’s gesture may have irked fans, but history suggests Villa supporters have short memories when it comes to welcoming back former heroes.
CITATIONS:
King’s comments were reported exclusively by Villa News, adding to growing speculation about Grealish’s future.
KEEP IN MIND:
Grealish is under contract with City until 2027, and any potential return to Villa would involve hefty financial negotiations. However, with Aston Villa’s resurgence under Unai Emery and their growing ambition, bringing back one of their own could be a statement move.
For City fans, Grealish remains a key player, and this transfer chatter is unlikely to distract him as Guardiola looks to turn around their current form. But the subplot of a Villa reunion? That’s a story both sets of fans will keep an eye on.
