Jack Grealish returns to Aston Villa this afternoon with a collection of seven major medals, millions in the bank, and a career that, despite these achievements, seems to be drifting into uncertainty. Once a dynamic, free-spirited player, Grealish’s £100m move to Manchester City in August 2021 initially seemed a logical step, but in the span of three years, he has been transformed into the world’s most expensive decoy—and not even a particularly effective one.
When Grealish left his boyhood club, he was heralded as a game-changer, a player who would add yet another dimension to Pep Guardiola’s attacking arsenal. But from the outset, his creative flair appeared to be gradually stifled, assimilated into Guardiola’s tactical machine. Now, as City’s engine begins to sputter, the conversation around Grealish’s role and value is reignited.
On paper, his tenure at City has been a resounding success: three Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, and lucrative endorsement deals that, at one point in 2023, earned him the title of “world’s most marketable footballer.” If success is measured purely by silverware and financial gain, then Grealish has achieved it all. But for those who fell in love with the unpredictable, free-wheeling player he was at Villa, there is a lingering sense of loss. Grealish was never just about the numbers; he represented the joy and artistry of the game, the kind of player that makes fans fall in love with football.
Statistically, Grealish was never a standout in terms of goals and assists, even in his final season at Villa, where he posted a career-best 10 goals and 16 assists in the league. His impact was always felt in ways that are harder to measure. Since joining City, he has recorded 12 league goals and 23 assists in over three seasons—figures that, while not disastrous, pale in comparison to the moments of flair and brilliance he once regularly produced. There were flashes of his old self, such as in City’s 4-1 win over Liverpool during the Treble-winning season, where Guardiola famously embraced him after a standout performance. But since the euphoric night in Istanbul when City lifted the Champions League trophy, Grealish’s form has dipped alarmingly.
Injuries have played a part—he missed 15 games last season—but his return of just three goals and two assists this season has been underwhelming. Last season, he managed only five shots on target; this season, just three. Instead, Grealish’s role has largely become one of holding up play and drawing defenders to create space for his teammates. His touches per 90 minutes are higher than ever, but he takes on opponents less frequently than at any point since joining City. The statistics tell part of the story, but watching Grealish in action, waiting for moments of magic that rarely come, paints a fuller picture of his decline.
As City travel to Villa Park today, with the club struggling to regain its former dominance, it’s natural to wonder if Grealish, one of England’s most naturally gifted players, has any regrets. Whether the medals, money, and fame have been worth the trade-off is something only Grealish and those closest to him can answer. But for the romantics who cherish football’s artistry, watching Grealish now carries a hint of sadness—a reminder of the joy and unpredictability that has been lost along the way.
