Manchester United‘s pursuit of Aston Villa attacker Jack Grealish might hit a snag in terms of finance. A huge fee of £80 million has been touted as Villa’s apparent asking price for the Englishman. The Villans are keen on keeping their superstar at the club, who has been one of Red Devils’ prime targets.
As per Mirror Football, the club have decided to keep Grealish’s transfer fee at £80 million, even if they get relegated from the Premier League. The report says that Villa are in a good financial position thanks to their owners, and will not be “bullied” into selling Jack for a lesser fee.
Grealish, who has come through the Villa academy, has been the club’s best player in the 2019-20 season, their first since returning to the Premier League. Grealish has scored 9 and set up 8 in 31 games in all competitions.
Jack Grealish: Is he worth the asking fee?
Manchester United’s transfer policy under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, where the emphasis is laid on buying young players with potential, as well as promoting homegrown players, is a good one. It’s one that goes back to the Alex Ferguson days at Old Trafford- wherein players from the youth academy get opportunities, while young players with potential are signed.
That is why the Red Devils have been linked with moves for two young, promising Englishmen – Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish.
Read More: Why Manchester United Should Choose Jack Grealish Over James Maddison
But, this policy could also work against United as selling clubs may put a huge price tag on players that the Red Devils are targetting – like Jack Grealish. It doesn’t make sense for United to spend £80 million on Grealish as that is way above what he is worth especially given the current transfer market scenario.
Sancho, who has run riot in the Bundesliga and has even played for the England national team, is worth that money as he contributes with a lot more goals and assists than the Villa man and will have tremendous resale value in the long run.
If United spend £80 million on Grealish that would set a precedent for future transfers involving Manchester United and young British players, which will not work out for them in the long run. The Red Devils should target other players of the same ilk, or maybe give players from the academy a chance, like Angel Gomes or James Garner, and try to sign Grealish in another transfer window when his price is reduced if they decide he is worth pursuing then.
