I think it’s pretty safe to say that this deal is going to happen anytime now.
All parts of the media are saying it should be done today and when that happens, you know they’re not far off the mark and can’t all be wrong.
So how do I feel about it?
First thing, it would seem it’s not the rumoured £100 million and is actually nearer £75 million with a lot of performance based add-ons that might take it to £100 million. That seriously disappoints me if it’s true, as it would suggest the club has just folded and conceded defeat far too soon. I said previously that the Manchester evening news had said that Man City didn’t expect to actually sign Jack for £100 million and it was just an opening bid.
I can only conclude from the fact that we’ve accepted the bid so quickly, two possible options. First is that there was indeed a transfer clause in Jack’s contract and we were pretty much powerless to try and stop him leaving or he’s dug his feet in and insisted that he will leave whatever. I massively prefer to believe it’s the first option.
I believe we’ve let him go too cheaply. I’ve said for a while that he was worth £130 million to us and I would like to think we’d have held out for at least some more from City, but I suspect the club’s hands were tied.
There have been rumours that our talks with the player involved offering him a new contract in the range of £150-200k a week. But that’s massively less than the rumoured £300k that City are going to pay him.
Be absolutely honest now and ask yourself if you would turn down the chance of a 50% pay rise. I suspect most of us wouldn’t, but we’re realistic and it would be more than fair to say that Premier league footballers are already in a position where one contract at far less money means they’re made for life. So it shouldn’t be about the money at all really, when you’re already earning £5 million a year. Are players really that greedy?
I suspect not, but when it’s very much in the advisor’s interests for a player to move, you can see how things work.
And as has rightly been pointed out, what happened to the “my city, my club” bollocks that Jack was coming out with just a few weeks back?
That’s the sort of thing that wrankles, just the same as when Fabian Delph (spit) left.
Us fans hate that sort of thing and Jack really should have known better.
Except I truly believe that at the time, he probably wasn’t planning on leaving.
I’ve no doubt whatsoever that Jack had his head turned while he was at the Euros. It’s a mixed blessing these days, being selected for England, as it means you get to talk at length to players at all the top clubs. Not that I think any of them are decidely better when it comes to the work environment and facilities. We just don’t have the glamour that you get in London and Manchester (I blame our useless city leaders for that latter part) and most importantly, we don’t have the one vital thing that anyone would like in their career and that’s success.
You can argue all you like that we’re on the cusp of something and you may well be right. But who has more chance of winning silverware this season, Aston Villa or Man City?
I don’t need to say, because it’s plainly obvious. Let’s face it, winning stuff is good, it’s as simple as that.
You can argue that if he’d waited, he’d have won with us and that’s a much better achievement. And it’s a fair point.
But it’s still a maybe, whereas with City, it’s odds on.
I get that he’s taken the easy option and sold his soul for a few (million) pieces of silver.
And from what I’ve been reading, many fans are massively upset or even angry that he’s going to leave. Which means he will start getting abuse which is going to hit home. And he must know it’s going to come.
Me, I’m pretty sanguine about it all.
There’s a big part of me that thinks that as much as he was brilliant to watch, so he also slowed play down too much a times. That was an ongoing criticism which he hasn’t had coached out of him and it’ll be interesting to see how Pep manages that side of his game. That said, I also believe he had to slow things down so players could catch up with the play. It could well be that better players at Man City mean he doesn’t have to slow it down so much.
And if that’s the case, he’s going to be even better for them than he was for us.
It’s going to be strange not having Jack in our side. But as has always been the case, no one player is bigger than the club.
Comments
126 responses to “Grealish leaves for Man City (well, almost).”
I’ve just been reading a Mirror article and it talks about the squad.
One of the points made is that the journalist had Young down at LB in his starting X1.
I don’t see for one minute that Targett will be dropped, so where does Young come into things?
Likewise, Traore will probably play second fiddle to Buendia on the right.
If we sign Cantwell, will he get a game over Ollie?
If we sign Tuanzebe on loan, who’s place does he take?
We have MASSIVELY improved the squad if the latter two come in and we will have loads of options.
Dean Smith faces his next major obstacle now in managing player’s gametime and keeping them all happy.
Badger,
I’d say young and traore will play second fiddle to Watkins and Bailey, buendia behind Ings.
Trrez and el ghazi will eventually be sold.
Yep, agree with that, Guest.
We definitely need a fourth centre back but would Tuanzebe come on that basis? He’d be no better off than at United.
Last season we lacked strength in depth which showed when we had injuries or needed to change things in a game. With the signings we’ve made and the improvements shown in the U23’s that’s not going to be such a problem this season.
So Badger you’re right – Smith has to start looking at a rotational policy and not just use the Cup Games.
Messi on a free 😃
Yep and we pay him, I don’t know, what would it take?
Would £500k a week be enough?
I’m really not sure. Wages seem to be exploding.
According to reports Messi was prepared to accept a 50% pay cut at Barca (all to do with salary caps in La Liga related to the club’s financial health) to a mere – are you ready for this – £50m per year! Oh but apparently they can’t afford that now.
So he was on £100m per year – really?
Is it April 1st?
With the image rights I’d guess that was probably about right Hitch.
La Liga has just had a big buy-in from CVC, an American outfit, which means a 10%, 2.3 billion euro bail out. Real are suing and Barce and Athletic Bilbao might follow suit because it’s not enough.
Footy is just a business these days and it’s probably why Grealish going doesn’t bother me too much.
Ings is on a rumoured £120k a week.
I nearly spat my beer over the keyboard when I read that.
It probably explains the cheap transfer fee.
It would seem we’re moving up a league in expectations.
To think Grealish was by far our highest paid player on £100k a week not long back.
Being confirmed on VillaTV now.
“Jack wanted European footy now.”
Now confirmed he’s signed.
Move on he’s no longer one of ours. Good luck to him but I’m no longer interested.
We are no longer a ‘one man’ team and will be the better for it.
My final word – Grealish quoted as saying ‘it’s a dream come true to be part of this club’
Not a clever thing to say.
Clearly not his words, the usual twaddle that comes out of every players agents mouths once the ink is dry.
That’s the spirit!
UTV
I will miss Jack and it’s a shame that he won’t go down in the history books as a Villa legend. He was on course to achieve it but he bailed just when we are on track to break into the top 6. I won’t hold grudges and part of me wishes him success and part of me hopes Cite$h win squat.
Thankfully though, our owners are backing Dean Smith big time and the signings all look impressive on paper. If we didn’t sign any more, I still think we have a good enough squad to push on. Seville on Saturday will be a good pre season test and the starting eleven will be more or less what Smith considers who starts at Watford.
I never thought Saints would sell Danny. But, there is a question over his fitness and he has had long bouts out of the team – declared as injury.
If he is fit – we have just acquired the deadliest striker in England now that Aguero has gone. This I measure by the infrequency of sitters missed. Ings converts most good chances because he is composed and two footed. He can leave the strike that fraction of a second later than most and see which way the keeper is going before striking the ball.
Ings arrival to partner Watkins means Smith has decided Wesley can hop it. Then with Nakamba and Buendia almost certain starters it means only two places remain for McGinn, Traoré, Luiz, El Ghazi, Ramsey and ALL the youngsters in the starting line up. Ability to play as a right footed right winger desirable.
I suspect Ings is a bit of a gamble, but it’s a favourable one, imo.
Yes, OLL, competition suddenly looks really tough, which is just as it should be.
Our underweight midfield is now transformed, as you suggest.
And yes, agreed, Wesley’s days are numbered. I’m not too enamoured with the hop it comment, but it did make me laugh. At least he’s had a good payday out of us.
Hmm, good point re the kids. We need to loan more out, as I’m really not seeing much room for them.
Chukuewemba (?) excepted. I’d be happy to see him get more minutes. He looks the mutts.
Ings main injury problems relate to his four years at Liverpool when opportunity was hampered by serious knee injuries.
Over the last two seasons (since Villa were promoted) Ings has actually played 5 more games than Grealish. In fact they have similar records in so far as they were both ever present in 19/20 season but missed games last season. Given that Grealish has only managed around 60% of games in four of the last five seasons it might also be argued that £100m is a bit risky for an injury prone player 🙂
Agree on ‘the deadliest striker comment’. His goal scoring stats are off the chart at 0.61 goals per 90 minutes played against Watkins 0.38 goals per 90 minutes. That’s not meant as a criticism of Watkins as they are different types of player.
I reckon £25m represents good value in today’s inflated market.
Grealish could be seen as a risk, but he’ll be rotated. Pep changes players more than his drawers.
I’d expect that to be good for him and the team.
Just seen Grealish on BBC news in a Man City top. God, that just seems so wrong 🙁
staying away for the sports news for that very reason.
Post on Face Book suggests78% of Citeh supporters already disillusioned by Grealish signing having realised they could have got Messi for free.
A spoof it may be but there’s also a lot of truth in it.
Felt sick seeing Jack in a Citeh shirt. Lou
A lot of comments on here re: Grealish status as a club legend going down the pan.
What makes a legend exactly?
Grealish captained the side and led them back into the Premier League and was also the main reason we stayed up in our first season back.
He was also instrumental in our mid table finish last season which has provided the platform for us to improve the quality of the team, would Ings, Bailey etc have joined a side that battled relegation last season? I very much doubt it.
I’m not sure what more he could have done or what other so called legends have done better.
At last the snake has left the building. Was fed up with this every season will he won’t he.
But he’s no better than Delph when he signed new contract he should have kept his gob shut.
I hope he gets the reception all snakes deserve.
What I’d love now is villa knock man.c out of champions league position 😂👍
I think villa will be a better team now though as someone else said 10teams finished above villa without having a player like grealish (big 4apart)
Maybe we could sign Madison I think he has more about his game than the snake.
Long live the villa
Extremely harsh, Roy.
Congratulations NSWE, all at Villa and Jack Grealish.
Jack you helped us out of the Championship. Then helped us stay up and the establish Villa back in the Premiership. More importantly your departure gave us £100m. This gives us spending power but more importantly helps us address FFP, making it better for us in the near term.
NSWE thank you for the thorough planning. If no one else is bought there is somewhere between £75m and £100m for the the right player.
Now is the time for Louise Barry and Carney Chukwuemeka.
We are now a better balanced team.
Sid, watch the Purslow statement; they aren’t looking to buy one player to replace Grealish – their strategy was / is to buy three and that’s been achieved.
I doubt whether they are interested in Cantwell although there might be something in the JWP rumour given he’s a defensive mid fielder. I suspect they will also try and bring in another CB to replace Engels.
I suspect we’ll now see one or two other players leaving.
If you haven’t seen it,I recommend watching Purslow’s statement on AVTV (you don’t need a subscription) either on the OS or You Tube. It answers a lot of questions and reinforces just how good our owners are.
Thought I posted this last night but hey ho, maybe not.
They are totally calculated, provocative, and prepared. And it shows in the club’s progress. Onwards…
I meant proactive lol
A player in a very similar situation once,who for a number of whatever reasons never made his big move and stayed is Zaha.
I wonder how he feels watching Jack make this move but more to the point I want to make, is he worth a bid?
Bundle of experience in prem now, 28 years old, could be the time palace cash in, especially with a more fresh start under new manager.
Certainly a very decent player, Tom.
I’ve gone from loving ‘Sweet Caroline’ to hating it in one day.
I just keep thinking of Jack singing it when we got promoted.
QUOTE….”A player in a very similar situation once,who for a number of whatever reasons never made his big move and stayed is Zaha.”…….
He moved to Man U. and was useless.
Bummer – Seville have cancels their friendly with Villa tomorrow over Covid issues. Fine but why leave it so late?
Doubt whether Villa can re-arrange at such short notice.
We’ve had a very disruptive pre-season so we may well have a slow start to the season as we try and bed the new players in and get everyone up to full fitness.
Anyone know if Martinez is going to be available for the Watford game – assume Luiz not going to be available for several games as he’s had no break with Copa America and Olympics following on form last season.
Echo Hitchens post above. Great communication from a club that is now ran very well. So refreshing to see and Purslow and the club are getting massive kudos across the footballing community because of this. Well done Villa, another reason to be proud. Gutted about Sevilla, that would have been a great test for us and set the fitness up nicely. Maybe Smith will setup a behind closed doors friendly before the season starts.
Also massive disappointment for the fans
Villa trying to source an alternative opponent for tomorrow and are offering an exchange for Grealish 20/21 shirts.
It won’t happen Hitch.
Villa will have an open training session at VP at 3pm tomorrow.
Anyone who had a ticket for the game is invited to attend and they’ll still get their refund.
Villa are trying to source another quality side to play against, but it will be behind closed doors as they can’t get permission to let fans attend, so soon.
So Man city could only afford Grealish after selling £60 mill worth of players?
Doesn’t look like they’ll be going for Kane then. Or does it?
And Jack signed a 6 year contract. That could prove to be really cracking business on their part.
Or a massive cost if it all goes wrong.
Would they have gone for Grealish if Messi had become available 72 hours earlier?
We’ll never know
Messi is a money thing now. The shirt sale percentage must be phenomenal.
But how long does he have left?
And the Premier league is a much tougher proposition than La Liga, imo.
It would have been interesting to see how he got on, but with our overall much better defenders, I’m not sure he’d have done so well.
Best he goes to PSG and the crappy French league, imo.
Maybe Martinez and Buendia could put in a word for Messi to come to VP. He would be useful coming off the bench!
🙂 🙂
I agree with the comments about how well the club have dealt with the Grealish deal, now we know how it all worked out. Christian Purslow’s speech online impressed me. It is nice to have some transparency for a change.
The only thing that has left a sour taste during the whole circus is Sky constantly patting themselves on the back for predicting what we all knew would happen anyway. Nevertheless, this hasn’t stopped Kaveh Solhekol spouting his bulls**t trying to give us the impression that he is the main man in the know. I am totally fed up with his “My sources tell me” garbage.
Back to more important issues. I have to say that I haven’t waited in anticipation for a season to start for quite a while. The signings that the club have made have been very astute and, in my opinion, will actually improve us as an attacking threat, in a different way to what Grealish offered. I feel that we became far too pedestrian when Jack was given the ball, with us all waiting for things to happen. I firmly believe that with Buendia, Bailey and Ings joining us, we have the potential to move the ball quicker and cause problems for any defence, even the so called bigger clubs.
Lerner’s reign and the false dawn that was Tony Xia seem a long time ago.
At last we have owners and a chief executive that we trust have only the club’s interest at heart. I would hope that a return to European football is a minimum achievement this season, probably not Champions League yet. I think though, we are as good as, if not better, as a squad, as Leicester so you never know.
Keep the faith. UTV
I see that, despite De Bruyne and Foden being injured, so therefore out of the Community Shield, Grealish will still be on the bench.
And so it begins. Yes, Jack may well win medals at the club that has ruined football, but he will probably only be a bit part player, no matter how much they paid for him. Hollow victories I say.
Sky sports looked a bunch of dicks when the Ings deal was done though. Where were their reliable sources then?
As for Grealish, the sense of achievement will feel quite hollow when he picks up all his medals. He knows Cite$h will win silverware with or without him. Maybe he will play most games or become a bit part player. Frankly I don’t care now. He’s gone and now all that matters is Villa.
I am a bit concerned that our pre season preparation hasn’t gone too well. Two cancelled friendlies means our players haven’t got up to speed. A training session today and a last gasp closed doors match against a newly promoted Italian team whose name I can’t remember isn’t ideal.
I’m looking forward to the new season especially with fans back. I hope we don’t get too many games postponed at the last minute because of Covid outbreaks. Watford is a tough start for us. Newly promoted teams are probably the worst to face with their confidence and enthusiasm on a high plus they are at home. Avoiding defeat will be a good start to the season with new players settling in.
Agree Holte and we have a poor record against Watford
Friendlies are only about fitness Holte. I wouldn’t worry too much about those.
Agree about Watford being a tough one though.
I’m licking my lips now at the thought of our new team.
Back off holiday, don’t you just love our club.,, anyone who bought a new shirt with Grealish on it can have it changed. I’ve heard.
Here’s a question for fans old enough to remember which I assume is most on here. Who was the most talented player for Villa out of Grealish or Merson?
Tough one, that Holte.
Both extremely talented players who could do something out of the blue.
I’m going to give Grealish the edge, because he’s still going to get better.
I did like Merse though, cracking no 10.
Merson, hands down. And not because Jack’s just left. Merson could do things with a football that I’ve never seen Jack even attempt, never mind execute. The lob at Goodison was ridiculous and should be in the highlights real of every great goals compilation.
Evidence. Sit back and enjoy!
https://www.facebook.com/avfcofficial/videos/2492123234337720/?extid=SEO—-