Over a month ago, the Telegraph reported that Man City would ‘consider’ signing Jack Grealish if Bayern Munich met the asking price for Leroy Sane.
Now in August, with the German winger having moved in early July, it now could be time for Pep Guardiola and co to think about a move for the Aston Villa star.
Having narrowly avoided relegation, the Villans’ Premier League safety arguably wouldn’t have been possible without Grealish’s contribution – with the Englishman now at the centre of transfer speculation linking him with a move away.
Should City consider signing Grealish?
Yes, please get the deal done
No, why? We have Foden
As well as City, rivals Man United have been in the chase, but director of football Txiki Begiristain should consider battling the Red Devils for his signature.
Why Grealish?
The 24-year-old, whilst bagging eight goals and six assists in the top flight over 2019/2020, can also offer an extra injection of quality in the final third as City enter their first full campaign without club legend David Silva.
Of course, youngster Phil Foden is heavily tipped to take Silva’s mantle, and while he is definitely capable of filling that role, signing Grealish could provide more competition and may even be a good emergency option if City do seem to struggle without the little magician’s presence.
Having averaged 2.5 key passes per 90 according to WhoScored, more than the likes of Silva and Foden, the £100,000-per-week star also completes a higher number of dribbles over Raheem Sterling.
What the pundits say…
Ex-Premier League boss Neil Warnock, speaking to talkSPORT back in January, lauded the attacking midfielder and claimed he has the ability to shine for our rivals at Old Trafford.
“I love him. He’s a horrible little so-and-so when you’re playing against him because as soon as someone breathes on him he’s going to go down,” explained Warnock.
“His ability is fantastic. He’s got better over the years and if Villa do go down he’s got the ability to go and play elsewhere.
“We talk about Manchester United. He’s definitely got the ability to be good enough for United. He plays almost like how Cantona used to for them.”
The final verdict…
While City don’t appear in need of attacking players, with the exception of an out-and-out centre forward, Grealish may be the exception as we enter a pivotal 2020/2021 season for Guardiola and the Blues.