Much was made about the transfer fee that Manchester City paid Aston Villa for Jack Grealish, especially after the attacking player struggled to make an immediate impact at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City signed Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in the summer of 2021.
According to Sky Sports, City paid Villa £100 million in transfer fees for Grealish.
It was a lot of money.
The midfielder did not have a great debut season for the Citizens.
Although Grealish made 22 starts in the Premier League for City in 2021-22, he was able to score only three goals and provided three assists.
Things improved last season.
The England international, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a winger, scored five goals and gave seven assists in 23 Premier League starts.
Grealish also made 12 starts and one substitute appearance in the UEFA Champions League last season.
City won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Pep Guardiola’s side clinched the FA Cup as well.
Jack Grealish’s father on first season at Manchester City
Grealish’s father has noted that the midfielder struggled in the first season at City and was disappointed that he could not make the impact at the Etihad Stadium that he wanted to.
Kevin Grealish told VG: “He felt he disappointed them. He did not live up to the price tag.
“It was difficult, but it was so for other players (in their first season) as well.
“It will be like this for English players.
“He was the topic of conversation in broadcast studios and the media.
“But Jack has a strong mind and heart.
“That changed in the second year.
“He delivered fantastically.”
My View: Jack Grealish a big player for Manchester City now
I believe that Jack Grealish is a very important player for Manchester City and will be massive for Pep Guardiola’s side this season.
Grealish is 28 now and is at the top of his game.
In my view, the £300,000-a-week (Spotrac) midfielder has his best years ahead of him.
City are aiming to win the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup yet again this season.
I think that Grealish will play his role in that quest.
The City no. 10 has given one assist in two starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League so far this season.
