I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it seems to me that Jack Grealish’s move away from the Villa is beginning to look inevitable.
I’m looking at this from a fan’s, owner’s and indeed the player’s point of view, so let’s break it down.
The owners, even though they’re minted, still have to make the books look better come the winter.
I’ve previously stated that we should wait and maybe sell Grealish then, as it could work in our favour.
But there’s also the case that we could end up in a weaker position, if we’re struggling in the league.
So, selling Grealish might make sense if you’re being pragmatic and want to bring players in, in this window.
There’s still the backlash that they’d face from us fans, but would re-signing Snodgrass on loan compensate partly?
It might for some, but it wouldn’t for me, as much as I eventually liked Snoddy.
As for us fans, I’m sure we’d all be gutted if Jack left us now.
While I’ve seen some say that Grealish really ought to be playing for a Champions league side, do we really think that he’d walk into the Spurs first eleven?
How about Chelsea who supposedly are now interested? Would he walk in there?
I very much doubt it, myself.
My opinion says yes, he will be entitled to have a go in a top side.
But he isn’t yet proven enough at the top level and should go just another season with us, where he’ll be a better all round player.
Whatever you think of Bruce, there’s no doubt the lad came on leaps and bounds last season.
Think how he could continue to improve and how it might further his value.
Of course, there’s the risk that he might get seriously crocked in the Championship.
But better, more cynical Prem defenders leave him open to that risk too.
But I suppose he’d have the fat contract in the bag, if he does leave.
Which is what it’s all about, at the end of the day.
No doubt Jack’s advisors (his dad and brother?) have his interests at heart, while still being Villa fans.
Look, if someone said to you “work here at x amount for the next 4 years, or work here at twice the money for the next 4 years”, what would you do?
At my (bordering old age), I’d take double the money, even if the job was utter rubbish.
And I’m the loyal type.
While we’re talking massive numbers for top footballers, I still believe the same sort of thing applies.
As a footballer, you can get a career-threatening injury at a stroke.
So do you take £4 million over four years, or £8-12 million?
It’s a no-brainer.
I firmly believe Jack would have our blessing if he gave it another half a season and then decided to leave.
But as a Villa fan, I believe he should stay, to see how it goes.
Just for that 6 months.
After all, he’s still only 22 and there’s plenty of time.
But my guess is that his head has indeed been turned already.
I’ve no doubt there’s stuff going on in the background and I’d bet there’s a low-ball offer on the plate already, which the club have probably laughed off.
And said “let’s get serious”.
The part that concerns me, is that Jack hasn’t commented.
Of course, he can’t really be seen to be saying anything, but the lack of “we’re up for it” type comments tells me this is truly up in the air.
Jack, you’re one of us mate.
Give it just another 6 months.
Please.
Addendum;
How would we feel about a buy and loan back, for a season?
I’d suggest there’s legs in that.
goalkeeping bill is also a problem i forgot to mention. steer and bunn are not good enough. steer has a problem with using his feet. it seems even under no pressure, he cant kick from here to there without it ballooning way off course, the way bruce went about pre season it looks like he playing out more from the back. so a goalie will be needed for sure. steer has good ability in actual goalkeeping shot stopping and stuff shame really. but kicking and distribution is essential these days
i have to admit i know nothing of the two new goalies.
Nath, still haven’t signed the Norwegian gk and last I read there was another club interested so Steer will play Monday night. I completely agree with you on Steer his kicking and general distribution looked awkward and dire.
we havent, sorry i have been away and been banned from reading the footy news, just been catching up on here and the results from yesterday.
Just done 8 days in Padstow Nath. I’m the same band and no internet.
Nath – I was slightly wrong having misread report. The ‘other club’ is Villa. He’s said to be in talks with Villa and ‘expected’ to join subject to medical etc.
grealish staying or going is doing my head in. yes they will need to find money from somewhere to satisfy ffp bulshit. but would be dumb to sell your only real asset days before season starts. as been said before also playing him in friendlies would be dumb if they do end up selling him. not only could he have got injured, we have readied a player we wont have been using.
villa i think should come out and say to spuds and grealish that the point for this transfer to happen has been passed. we are never gonna replace him even if we had money to splash with ffp strangling us. with no real time to get another player in that is cheap and is a match winner. so spuds had all summer to complete this transfer. they messed up and if anything the price should raise further the closer the window shuts. truth be i wouldnt sell him even if grealish begged me or spuds offered 50million.
Nath – Villa have said £35m or go away. I can’t see anyone, let alone Levy, paying that for JG – after all one sf and half a season doesn’t make a great player – no that I’m saying he doesn’t have the potential to become one. What I’m trying to say is that Villa have virtually said he’s not for sale but if someone is daft enough to give us £35m …….. and don’t forget so far this is all media click bait hype.
But as Bruce said – every player has his price.
yeah i hear you but 35 million isn’t enough really, would only clear our ffp,but 50 million would mean no doubt about him staying.
i would say without any doubts that grealish would be a top player in the premiership. what he does in championship he will do to the premiership defences. when he gets the chance he will demonstrate this. with better players around him, he will flourish even more. the players at villa are not good enough to grace the field with him. villa players are clueless they pass to grealish all the time because they know he has the answers. opposition look at villa and they will dread grealish and know stop him and you stop villa.
we need to use this fear of playing against grealish to our advantage. grealish attracts defenders and somewhere this will leave open spaces for other players to exploit. hope hayes gets in some game. i think hes the type of player we lack in midfield. hence the reason grealish has to come deep to get the ball. the system we are trying to play we need to be able to switch play quickly. i cant see whelen doing that or hourihane but hayes does this for the under23’s and the ball lands into the players stride.
Bruce is right that every player has is price. However if villa know he wants to go and are just using all these tactics to try and drive the price up then our whole pre season has just gone out the window.
If villa want him to stay that much and we have billionaire owners then why don’t villa back up what they said a couple of weeks ago and say he is not for sale. He is that important to us.
Ok lads what we think on this player.
ASTON VILLA are close to pulling off a 12-month loan for Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe.
The 6ft 1in 20-year-old joined Villa on loan last January but twisted an ankle against Cardiff in only his fifth game, ruling him out for the season.
I think he looked real potential until he got injured. But do we need another right back.
I know he can play in midfield but woul he.
If jack goes we need a creatibe player and sadly i don’t think bruce would give our youth a go.
he isn’t a right back, his favourite position is centre back thou he is very adaptable.he can play all the defensive positions.would be ideal for a squad player. with our lack of quality and numbers back there
i like him thou he was injured early and didnt play much for us. i saw enough to say he has something we need. the three players at the back are all slow. chester jedi elphick would like somebody back there, with some muscle and pace.we practice playing hutton there and bree taylor in preseason i guess in case we get injuries at the back.
Ok Steve another defensive player then, does Bruce know we need attacking midfielder or wing player.?
I predict Tuanzebe will come. Jack will go with Onamah coming the other way. It will be the same as last season minus johnstone, terry, snodgrass, grabban and grealish. Very uninspiring. I hope i am wrong.
Bill, you’re right but we are also short in central defence with Terry and Samba having danced onto other things! I liked the look of Tuanzebe, seemed comfortable on the ball, quick and strong.
I’m getting worried Nath,Leeds have pushed the boat out on New players intending to challenge for the title. I know of 4 teams that will go all out this season I’m thinking we are not even looking like pulling promotion out of the bag.
a lot of fans are underestimating leeds. bookmakers have got them down as one of the front runners, apparently the new manager is the best coach says Guardiola. so if he is correct, you would have to include leeds in the running for sure.
last two season i though leeds were a good team, but they sacked another manager and sold some decent players and they lost their way.
lets not forget, nobody is predicting villa, nobody who is paid for forecasting have mentioned us and bookmakers also are unsure how our season will pan out. i believe if grealish stays and doesn’t have a injury that will sideline him. we will be up there. we will need players to pull their weight. kodjia needs to wake up,green needs to have injury free season to show what hes all about. hayes needs a chance to show the fans whats hes all about.
i worry about both ends of the pitch goalie and striker. johnstone really shone last season and our new number one will need big gloves to replace him lol.
kodjia needs to score goals like he can do. he also needs to involve himself in team build ups. both ends of pitch they worry me. all the stuff in-between we still have a strong squad for the division. our midfield should be one of the best in the league
Quite like being underdogs and under the radar. Who tipped Wolves and Cardiff last year? Pundits are no different to you and I; they just get paid more.
Thought this comment by Bruce in regard to Terry speculation is interesting.
“As for John, that won’t be happening. The owners want young, aggressive, hungry players with things to prove. That’s their vision.”
In same article new contracts being prepared for Chester and Grealish
The next four or five days will either be manic or preferably nothing happening. That would mean Grealish staying and option of still bringing in loans. I think if Jack plays tomorrow he is staying. I can’t see the point of setting out your strongest possible line up to having then blown up in Bruce’s face before next game. I’m not against signing Tuanzebe because of his versatility in defence, although he wasn’t the outstanding talent I thought he would be, otherwise Mourinho wouldn’t be letting him go out again, unless there is a clause to take him back. We need more creativity and fire power up front. I hope Hayes gets game time but I doubt he will knowing Bruce. Prediction wise I’m going for top six if Grealish stays and about mid table without him.
@H66
Well a couple of weeks ago I’d have gladly settled for mid-table as I had visions of us doing a Sunderland.
I’m quite optimistic now as we have some real financial backing and hopefully some common sense will be applied in the running of the club.
I found Villa exasperating at times last season and I’m now wondering if the team were aware how massive a gamble Dr. Tony was taking. If they were then the pressure on them must have been incredible and that might explain a lot.
Personally I’d settle for promotion in a couple of seasons time with a squad that’s tried and tested and capable of staying in the Prem when they get there.
Anyway just bought my Sky pass for the season and plenty of live Villa games coming up so all is good.
UTV
The Birmingham Mail have broken a story that Villa are looking at Peter Kenyon being the new CEO. If there is mileage in this then it is great news, as a sign of serious intent by our new owners. Kenyon has significant experience at Man Utd and Chelsea. I for one would welcome this addition. It would mean a real football decision maker having a clear saying in the running if the club. I note with interest he has a good working relationship with Jorge Mendes.
How about this for a prediction. Steve Bruce is sacked after a couple of months and Rafa Benitez comes in as new owner, as he will have the financial backing he dreams of. Just a thought!
Sid, hope this rumour about Kenyon is true. If it is then it will show that the new owners are really serious about moving the club forward.
Fingers crossed.
Benitez wanting to leave Newcastle for the Championship again? Can’t imagine that one. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised even though he extended at Shakhtar if we didn’t attempt to go for Fonesca who’s agent is Mendes.
I’m not so sure Pat, Leeds are two up against Stoke, I’ve not got the time to wait and see like you , it has to be soon for us old uns , when you support or play in any sport its to win, Managers should know beforehand if the players are good unough, I don’t believe in let’s wait and see.in managers its a well I’ve made my money been their and done it. Bruce is too defensive attacking is not his style and he will get court out.
Bill I’m no spring chicken myself and I’d love to see us go up this season but we tried a quick fix last season and that didn’t work out. I’d also hate to see us go up and really struggle in the Prem, we’ve had more than enough of that over the past few years.
All I’m saying is if we don’t make it this season, so long as we have a younger side and it’s progressing, then it won’t be the end of the world.
I know Pat, but if we got there and the money we get plus our owners we would be far more attract to players wanting us.I know its a pipe dream Pat but it would make my day.
…and mine 🙂
Here’s hoping
Leeds were very impressive against Stoke. Great pressing when Stoke had possession and great movement when they did have the ball. I know it’s early days but barring a lot of injuries they are sure bet for top six. Also I said that Brentford could be the surprise team and they got off to a flyer. We need to hit the ground running this season. We can’t start like we did last season. Hull still have problems with owner and fans and will most likely struggle so we need to take the game to them, no sitting back letting them dictate. If we don’t get off to a good start then Bruce won’t get the time that he had before to turn it around. And if Bruce gets the chop and Brentford are performing we should turn to Dean Smith, although the new owners might look for a marquee signing. And that’s what worries me, especially if Henry is still available.
That’s the verdict of Sky Sports News reporter Michael Bridge.
The Aston Villa star has been linked with a move away from the club ever since the club’s defeat to Fulham in the Championship play-off final in May.
Despite the clock ticking down to the end of the summer window, Grealish is still expected to make the switch to north London.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Transfer Talk podcast, Bridge said: “I still think Spurs will get Jack Grealish done.
“Before the takeover it was a bit like when you go to a supermarket and the yellow stickers were on and you could get something for half price.
It looks like the end this week of our idol.
See whether he’s playing tonight – that will be an indicator.
Also read the words -‘I still THINK Spurs ….’. well I think there’s no certainty in that at all! No one player is bigger than our club and if he truly doesn’t want to stay and play every week but would rather sit on Spurs bench then so be it.
Don’t always agree with Redknapp but thought he had it spot on with his recent comments
Keep the faith Bill.
I think this story was in the daily (henry villa manager).
However if grealish does go i hope bruce gies with him. I’m bored already
See you might be right after all Bill. Bruce confirmed Villa in talks with Spuds. However, owners still saying they don’t want to sell. I really hope they out Levy, Levy and he has to stump up a whacking great pile of money to get him.
Mr Levy, our terms are £35m in a single payment plus add ons – no we are not negotiating that’s it! Well you can dream……
FFP
if villa need to find £40m and we are bidding £6m for a defender where is the money coming from.
I fear Grealish is a gonner and we are just being kept in the dark.
I hope i am wrong.
FFP
Ffp
FFP
We seem to be trying to splash the cash. How is that if we are supposed to be £40m short of FFP.
Are we spending the money from the sale of Jack.
I think there are a number of ways to get round FFP – for instance new owners are allowed to invest so much into the club which can be offset against the accumulated losses – or that’s what I understand. Then there’s the potential uplift in the value of the car park once they receive planning consent for redevelopment – this area is a speciality of Edens’ and the HS2 compensation for Bodymoor Heath – and we only have the media’s word for the size of the ‘black hole’.
I’ve always felt the problem was more around lack of cash than FFP.
As Badger has always maintained, good accountants (and savvy businessmen) can improve things quite a lot.
⚽️ Breaking news: @AxelTuanzebe_38 has rejoined us on a season-long loan deal from @ManUtd
Welcome back, Axel
I think that’s a smart move by Bruce plus I like the bid for the Bristol City left back. If he joins wouldn’t be surprised to see Taylor move on as Hutton showed he was a better left back than Taylor so with Bree, Elmohamady and De Laet all capable of playing RB and a new gk in Nyland, the defence is pretty much sorted.
Midfield and attack?
A month a go I feared the worse for the club and squad, so any new additions at this point is gravy.
Happy to see Axel back at the club. He should be a great partner with Chester and a bit more mobile than Terry.
I agree with Hitchens, the defense looks pretty much sorted if the club can finalize the deals for Nyland and Bryan. A loan for Abraham or Snodgrass(?) – and I think the squad should offer a real threat this season.