The English star was on the verge of joining Man United last year.
Jack Grealish joined Manchester City on a record-breaking fee of £100 million. The former Aston Villa star has quickly established himself as a key player under Pep Guardiola. However, things could have gone very differently if he had joined Man United last year.
Grealish was on the verge of completing a move to Man United but eventually signed a new contract at the Villa. The new contract helped the Midlands in their negotiations as they put a release clause in the player’s contract.
In a new interview, the England international has opened up on the failed transfer.
“I was really close to going, but nothing happened in the end,” Grealish told the Telegraph.
“We played United in a pre-season game on Saturday and I wasn’t supposed to play in a cup game at Burton. But after the United game I said to [Christian] Purslow and my agent ‘if I’m not leaving, I’ll sign my new contract’.
“I went in with my dog on Tuesday morning, signed the deal, and played later that day. We all agreed on the clause and if any team hit that, it’s a win-win because it means I’ve had an unbelievable season and Villa got £100 million.”
Why did he joined Man City?
Man City triggered the release clause in Grealish’s contract and added him to their ranks. Guardiola quickly integrated the young midfielder into his squad, enjoying his top-class performances.
The former Aston Villa midfielder is a regular starter at Man City. He often forms a deadly due with Ilkay Gundogan in midfield, with both players constantly threatening opponents with incredible passing.
Asked about his decision to join the Citizens’ star-studded squad, Grealish responded: “You only get one shot at your career and it just flies by.
“I feel Villa are going towards that [Europe] but I just didn’t know how long it was going to take for us. If I hadn’t come here, I would have regretted it forever. I remember hearing Michael Owen say the same about Real Madrid.
“You look at most of my England team-mates – I was probably one of the last to play [in the] Champions League. You could probably count two or three who haven’t, such as Kalvin Phillips or Sam Johnstone.
“I’ve played four times in it now and loved every moment. It’s completely different to the Premier League, a completely different standard and way of playing.
“It’s the one we all want to win. The manager has come here and won everything else, we’re all desperate to win it and I’ve come here to try and help them.”
Grealish has the chance to shine again for Man City as he faces his former club on Wednesday.
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