Jack Grealish is currently facing a pivotal moment in his career at Manchester City, with increasing calls for him to consider a return to his former club, Aston Villa. Since his record-breaking £100 million transfer from Villa ahead of the 2021/22 season, Grealish has encountered significant pressure to perform, yet he has struggled to meet the lofty expectations that accompany such a monumental move.
The 29-year-old winger has shown glimpses of his undeniable talent, but his role within the Manchester City squad has been hampered by injuries and inconsistent performances. This season, his contributions have been notably limited, with Grealish managing just two assists in 18 appearances across all competitions, a statistic that reflects both his personal struggles and the team's overall challenges.
Former Aston Villa player Lee Hendrie has been vocal about Grealish's situation, urging him to seriously contemplate a move back to Villa Park. Hendrie stated, "It's at the stage now where Jack should probably be thinking about leaving the football club." He emphasised that any potential return would not be driven by financial incentives, asserting that Grealish "wouldn't be coming for a payday."
While Hendrie acknowledged Grealish's achievements at Manchester City, where he has "won everything there is to win during his time there," he believes the player must rediscover his passion for the game. "He'd be an asset for any top football club. I would love him at Villa, but would they have the finances to bring him back? It would probably be a complicated deal to complete," he added.
Despite some hesitance among Villa supporters, Hendrie expressed optimism that they would welcome Grealish back with open arms. He remarked, "He wouldn't be coming for a payday; he'd be coming to win something with Villa and help take the club up a level." He further stated, "It would be brilliant if he came back. I do feel he has to go and leave Man City at the moment to find some enjoyment in his game."
Hendrie also shed light on the factors contributing to Grealish's limited opportunities to showcase his best form at City. He recalled a conversation with Grealish shortly after his transfer, where the player candidly discussed the challenges he faced in adapting to his new environment. "I said to him, get on with it and go on and enjoy your football. It's your time to go on and win trophies, and that is exactly what he's done. He's such a fantastic person; he's got a massive heart," Hendrie reflected.
In conclusion, Hendrie believes that Grealish's true potential remains largely untapped at Manchester City, noting, "We've only seen snippets, but I think that Jack is essentially playing in a way that his manager demands of him." He contrasted Grealish's performances for City with those for England, stating, "When I watch Jack play for England, it's like he's a different person. He plays with a lot more freedom."
As speculation surrounding Grealish's future intensifies, the focus will undoubtedly remain on his ability to regain both his form and enjoyment in the sport. A return to Aston Villa could provide the ideal platform for him to rediscover his best self, reigniting the passion that made him a fan favourite in the first place.