Summer 26 Transfer Window - hopes, speculation, rumours etc.

[paul_e]

The grealish question is a really simple one for me. If he was available for free (or close to it) and was looking for a wage that reflects him being a squad player (a la Barkley) then I'd absolutely take him, he fills a free spot in the UEFA squad, he knows the club and a fair few of the squad and he has the technical ability to have an impact. If they want a big fee then it's not worth it and if he's holding out for a higher wage then, for me, that will show that he's not got the attitude we need from him.

[tomd2103]

The grealish question is a really simple one for me. If he was available for free (or close to it) and was looking for a wage that reflects him being a squad player (a la Barkley) then I'd absolutely take him, he fills a free spot in the UEFA squad, he knows the club and a fair few of the squad and he has the technical ability to have an impact. If they want a big fee then it's not worth it and if he's holding out for a higher wage then, for me, that will show that he's not got the attitude we need from him.

The other thing I'd add to that is thst he would be suited to a particular role in the way we set up (the role on the left).  He misses big chunks of most seasons through injury though and is on massive wages though.

[Dave]

The grealish question is a really simple one for me. If he was available for free (or close to it) and was looking for a wage that reflects him being a squad player (a la Barkley) then I'd absolutely take him, he fills a free spot in the UEFA squad, he knows the club and a fair few of the squad and he has the technical ability to have an impact. If they want a big fee then it's not worth it and if he's holding out for a higher wage then, for me, that will show that he's not got the attitude we need from him.

Yup.

[Dante Lavelli]

The grealish question is a really simple one for me. If he was available for free (or close to it) and was looking for a wage that reflects him being a squad player (a la Barkley) then I'd absolutely take him, he fills a free spot in the UEFA squad, he knows the club and a fair few of the squad and he has the technical ability to have an impact. If they want a big fee then it's not worth it and if he's holding out for a higher wage then, for me, that will show that he's not got the attitude we need from him.

Yup.

That's where I am.  Like most transfers this year: It'll be on our terms or it will not happen.

A few points in his favour and contrary to what a few people have said here.  Grealish is apparently a geek of football, endlessly watching videos, so I don't think the long Emery presentations would bother him.  Equally, he's demonstrated that he'll sacrifice his game to suit a manager's tactics.  Arguably Emery's demands are closer to his natural game.

Whether his body could maintain the demand is another matter, which brings us back to paul e point, any deal would need to be cheap and worst case, performance based.

[TopDeck113]

The sooner Jack retires the better.  If nothing else, it will end the endless debate about a possible return.

[LeeB]

The sooner Jack retires the better.  If nothing else, it will end the endless debate about a possible return.

Amen.

[chrisw1]

I loved Jack and never really hated him for leaving.  He's one of the best players I've ever seen in a Villa shirt, and I think some people underestimate/downplay just what he achieved for us.

But nah, I wouldn't have him back and I doubt Emery is even considering it.

The romantic in me would love to see him tearing it up for Villa again, but it doesn't feel like he's looked after himself I just can't really see him getting on the pitch much or playing far into his 30's. I think he's more likely to become a financial burden than an asset to the squad. 

But of course if Emery thinks differently and the medical team are happy, I'd have no problem with him coming back.

[Witton Warrior]

We had people arguing to bring back Benteke after he had, by any measure, proven to be a flash in the pan.

A three season, 101 appearance, 49 goal "flash in the pan" - wouldn't mind a couple more like that tbh

[Monty]

We had people arguing to bring back Benteke after he had, by any measure, proven to be a flash in the pan.

A three season, 101 appearance, 49 goal "flash in the pan" - wouldn't mind a couple more like that tbh

Same, but it was never repeated elsewhere, and we had a few even* who wanted him back after he'd semi-retired in the States.



*OK one, we had one guy.

[kippaxvilla2]

According to Tanswell that Mbaye is close story is 'inaccurate'.

[Stu]

According to Tanswell that Mbaye is close story is 'inaccurate'.

Booo

[VILLA MOLE]

According to Tanswell that Mbaye is close story is 'inaccurate'.

Booo

Doesnt mean it wont though

[Dogtanian]

We had people arguing to bring back Benteke after he had, by any measure, proven to be a flash in the pan. Grealish may have been neutered by Guardiola but after he left us he was a near-ever present in a team that won the treble.

Plus look, he's obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed, but for all his off-field antics he's quite clearly a lovely fella. The vitriol is misplaced.

While I think there is vitriol from some people, as there always is on anything in football, we can't assume anyone who doesn't want him back is down to hating him.

I don't hate the guy, and I'm pretty sure if I knew him I'd think he was a lovable rascal. But I really wouldn't have him back.

As I said at the time, I can understand the dilemma he had, and he was the only one who could make the decision. He made it knowing the consequences.

He has his medals and his money, and we are what he gave up to get them.

We still want success and we still want medals, and we need people who want to be at the club and put the very hard work in to get those things. He isn't that person.

So the only way he should ever come back is if it suited the club and he was the best option. But that isn't true, and it suits him a hell of a lot more than it does us.

So wish him all the best elsewhere and move on.

[Monty]

We had people arguing to bring back Benteke after he had, by any measure, proven to be a flash in the pan. Grealish may have been neutered by Guardiola but after he left us he was a near-ever present in a team that won the treble.

Plus look, he's obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed, but for all his off-field antics he's quite clearly a lovely fella. The vitriol is misplaced.

While I think there is vitriol from some people, as there always is on anything in football, we can't assume anyone who doesn't want him back is down to hating him.

Sure, they are seperate things, and you're very welcome to your view of him as a potential transfer. I think it's clearly the case that there are many who do not separate these things as, um, cleanly.

[PeterWithesShin]

He was great for us, he's great with fans especially with kids, i've never hated him, i've defended him on his thread, and now he's not good enough for us so I don't want to sign him.