Yahoo News Michael Owen makes Jack Grealish Aston Villa return admission
Michael Owen says he would be shocked if Jack Grealish were to leave Manchester City this summer, but it were to happen then Aston Villa are his 'obvious choice'.
Villa have been spring-boarded to success on the back of Unai Emery's appointment as manager in October 2022, having just qualified for next season's Champions League. However, the current era has also been built on foundations laid when boyhood Villan Grealish departed for Pep Guardiola's side three years ago.
The 28-year-old's £100m sale resulted in major profits that financial year, which have been smartly reinvested into the squad. On the other side of the bargain City have clearly benefitted as they are on the cusp of a fourth Premier League title in succession, they also won the Champions League last year and Grealish has played an integral role throughout.
READ MORE: Aston Villa given glimpse of adidas Premier League kit template
READ MORE: How Aston Villa and rest of Premier League could vote in pivotal VAR meeting
Owen was speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest EURO 2024 odds , as he began to honestly explain: "Grealish is a great player and he could fit into most teams, I love Jack and I think he's a great lad too, a great ambassador for football. So I don't want to say anything negative, but I must admit when he signed for City I didn't really think he was the right fit for them.
"At Villa, he used to pick up the ball, run the length of the pitch, invariably win a foul, Villa would put the ball down, the big guys would come up, they would send the ball in and it would be a set piece. Everything went through him. City don't want to be fouled, if they get fouled they cannot kick the ball fast enough to start play again, they don't want to cross the ball from wide areas for their big players.
"It actually slows them down. When Jack is in really good form it is when he does things really quickly. It is a different style and he has had to adapt. He's a unique player in what he does and he would really suit teams in how they want to play. But it won't suit other teams who play quickly on the counter."
Ultimately, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker admitted: "I think he is unique, he looks like he loves it at City so you might have to prise him away as he's winning trophies. And he's such a good person he won't give you any trouble if he's playing or not. I really admire Jack."
With some recent claims the England international - who is under contract until 2027 - could be forced out of Manchester to make way for new signings, there are some questions be answered heading into the summer transfer window.
"I'd be surprised if he left [Man City]," Owen added, before speculating: "If City want to part ways with him and he's accepting of that, then Villa would be the obvious choice for Grealish. I could see that."
