Darren Bent shared he was hoping Aston Villa avoid relegation from the Premier League next season.
The pundit shared that the Villans had a tough start to their 2019/20 campaign, as they’re set to face Tottenham in their first league game of the season, but claimed he was rooting for them.
Bent added that he thought the Villans desperately needed to bring in some new players to help them, but pointed out they did deserve to win promotion.
“Yeah a tough start that’s for sure, but it would be nice to see them stay in the division and prove they are a Premier League club, which they are,” said Bent on talkSPORT (12:53, Thursday June 13th).
“Obviously they’re going to have to get some players in desperately, do some business, but yeah they are there on merit, they were the better of the two teams in the play-off final and now it’s about sustaining it.
“It seemed different Aston Villa being in the Championship as they’re a Premier League club.”
Bent was then asked by Sam Matterface whether Aston Villa could keep Grealish at the club and Bent shared that he thought they could; but warned them that he could exit if they’re relegated.
“Yeah, I’ll think it will be easier than people think as he’s from Birmingham and loves the club so won’t want to go anyone,” responded Bent.
“Of course if the worst happens and they go down, then potentially he will go but right now, he is in the perfect spot for me.
“He’s the captain, he’s loved, he’s playing so for me, he doesn’t need to go anywhere else.”
OPINION
Bent warning Aston Villa over the future of Grealish is quite amusing as the 23-year-old will clearly leave if the Villans get relegated. However that’s a big if and Dean Smith’s side could easily end up avoiding relegation next year. Grealish stuck with the Villans in the Championship longer than anyone would have expected, and it would be too much to ask him to drop down with the Villans once again if it came to it. The 23-year-old is a key player for Smith’s side and if he performs well, alongside his teammates, and the club make some good signings; then the Villans won’t have to worry about potentially being relegated next season. However while Bent’s warning will raise eyebrows among Aston Villa fans, they’ll likely agree with everything else he said. The former Villans forward clearly believes the club deserve to be in the Premier League and it would be hard to find a Villans supporter who thinks otherwise.