Man City smash Premier League transfer record to sign £100m Grealish

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 5 Aug 2021 20:25 BST
• 3 min read

Jack Grealish has completed his Premier League record £100m move from Aston Villa to Manchester City.

The England star had been linked with a move for much of last season and has now finally made the jump, signing a six-year deal.

Grealish has made the move to Man City as the club’s first major signing of the new season.

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Grealish told the club's official website: "I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City. City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it’s a dream come true to be part of this club.

“Over the past 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently. Pep coming here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe. To play for Pep and learn from him is going to be special and it’s something any top footballer would want.

“The facilities are amazing, and I honestly can’t wait to get started, meet everyone and get playing.”

Director of football Txiki Begiristain said: "He is an incredible talent.

“Jack’s development over the past few seasons both for club and country has been plain for everybody to see. His natural talent together with his commitment to improve as a player, has seen him become one of the most exciting attacking players in world football today.

“I am certain that the fans are going to love seeing him in our team. Pep loves the way he plays, and we all feel he is an ideal fit for Manchester City. Our style and his style are a perfect match. I’m excited to watch him over the coming years.”

How does Grealish fit into Man City’s team next season?

Man City are, of course, blessed with an abundance of talent in attack, with at least two senior players for every position.

Grealish naturally features either on the left of a three behind the striker, or behind the striker in the No.10 role.

It is unlikely the England international will be deployed on the right, so it is Phil Foden who may need to be moved around slightly if Guardiola wants to accommodate both. Foden has played behind the striker and as a False 9 previously.

Now that Grealish has joined the club, he’ll start more games than not, which leaves someone having to make way on the left or centrally.

Should Guardiola deploy a 4-3-3 he will have Grealish, Foden, Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Ferran Torres and Riyad Mahrez all fighting for the two inverted winger spots.

A move to a 4-2-3-1 is always possible, too.