The Jack Grealish transfer saga could finally end if recent reports are to be believed. A player linked with an exit all summer, Grealish has been eyed by Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
Reports from the Times reveal that Spurs are in talks to sign the Aston Villa attacker and are willing to pay up to £20 million for the attacking midfielder.
Spurs are yet to make their first summer signing as Mauricio Pochettino and co. have struggled to assert their dominance in the market. With less than two weeks to go before the deadline day closes, they need to get a move on if they are to strengthen their team.
Jack Grealish – Fact file
Still only 22, Grealish has had some controversial moments off the pitch. When he started off at Aston Villa, he was a pretty precocious talent but was never far away from controversy.
Breaking into the Aston Villa and earning a few plaudits was all good, but Grealish took it all a bit to casually and was often pictured in nightclubs even after terrible defeats where he didn’t turn up for Villa.
It was clear that he needed to take a step back and focus on growing as a player, not just on the pitch, but off it as well. Villa’s relegation to the second division actually helped Grealish develop a bit more temperament.
Last season, he made 27 appearances (excluding the playoffs) after missing a large part of the first half of the campaign following a kidney injury. After his return, he was a key figure in the side as they made a late dash for the playoff spots.
Grealish contributed three goals and six assists but his performances weren’t enough as Villa ultimately fell short in the playoff stage.
What will Jack Grealish add to Tottenham?
Predominantly an attacking midfielder, Grealish isn’t expected to make it to the first team straight away because Pochettino already has a balanced playing XI. He’d be a more long-term signing for Tottenham and provide more depth as Spurs try to push and challenge for silverware once again.
A confident dribbler of the ball, Grealish can take on defenders and hold possession pretty well in the midfield or the attacking third. His technique and ability to beat players with a shimmy or two and then look up to pick a pass is admirable.
Grealish can be used on the wide areas as well, so expect him to get a few minutes on the wings if in the first season if he does indeed sign for Spurs. If he can be integrated quickly into the team, he would be a pretty impressive addition for £20 million.
Stats via Whoscored