‘Nail in the Coffin’: Jack Grealish Urged to Seal Emotional Return to Aston Villa After Club World Cup Snub

A Tumultuous Season Culminates in Omission from City’s Club World Cup Squad

Jack Grealish’s journey at Manchester City has taken a dramatic turn. After a challenging 2024–25 season marked by limited playing time and injuries, the 29-year-old winger has been left out of Pep Guardiola’s squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States . This exclusion has intensified speculation about his future, with many urging a return to his boyhood club, Aston Villa.

Jamie O’Hara Advocates for Jack Grealish’s Return to Villa Park

Grealish must leave City 2:1

Former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara has publicly called for Jack Grealish to consider a move back to Aston Villa. Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, O’Hara stated, “Jack Grealish’s time at Manchester City is up. He’s already got one foot out the door, and being left out of the Club World Cup squad by Pep Guardiola is the nail in the coffin for him.” O’Hara believes that Villa, having missed out on Champions League qualification, could benefit from Jack Grealish’s return, especially with uncertainties surrounding players like Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio.

A Season of Struggles and Limited Opportunities

Grealish’s 2024–25 season has been marred by injuries and a lack of consistent playing time. He made only seven Premier League starts, totaling just 715 minutes on the field . Despite being fit towards the end of the season, he was notably absent from crucial matches, including the FA Cup final, where Guardiola opted for younger talents like Claudio Echeverri.

Guardiola’s Mixed Signals and the Need for Regular Football

While Guardiola has publicly expressed confidence in Jack Grealish’s ability to bounce back, stating, “He will be back,” his actions suggest otherwise. The manager’s preference for players like Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden indicates a shift in the pecking order . With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, regular playing time is crucial for Jack  Grealish to secure a spot in England’s squad.

Potential Suitors and the Financial Implications

Manchester City is reportedly open to selling Jack Grealish for around £40 million, a significant loss from the £100 million they paid in 2021 . Everton has emerged as a potential destination, with bookmakers placing their odds at 4/1 . Other clubs, including Tottenham, Newcastle, and Napoli, have also shown interest. However, a return to Aston Villa remains a sentimental and strategic option, offering Jack Grealish a familiar environment to rejuvenate his career.

The Emotional Pull of Villa Park

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Grealish’s connection to Aston Villa runs deep. Having risen through their youth ranks and captained the side, a return would not only be emotionally fulfilling but could also provide the platform he needs to rediscover his form. Villa fans have remained supportive, and the club’s current ambitions align with Jack Grealish’s desire for regular football and a prominent role.

Conclusion: A Crossroads in Jack Grealish’s Career

As Jack Grealish faces an uncertain future at Manchester City, the prospect of returning to Aston Villa presents an opportunity to reignite his career. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, securing regular playing time is paramount. A move back to Villa Park could be the catalyst for Jack Grealish to reclaim his status as one of England’s premier talents.