Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed that Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish will stay at Villa Park this summer, despite intense speculation surrounding his future.
Currently valued at £58.5m (via Transfermarkt), Grealish’s stock has continued to rise ever since he was promoted to the Premier League with his boyhood club in 2019.
Former striker Agbonlahor has provided Villa fans with reason to be hopeful as he revealed that he’s ‘heard’ that the England international will be staying put for another summer at least, having suggested his price tag is an incredible £130m.
Speaking on TalkSport on Friday afternoon, Agbonlahor had this to say:
“Aston Villa will be in a better position. I think Jack will stay, I think I’m hearing. They’ll invest as well.
“I think Man City and Manchester United would be the only ones that I think would go for him in the Premier League, but with [the pandemic] and stuff, are these teams going to want to pay £130 million? I’m not too sure.”
TIF Thoughts on Jack Grealish staying at Aston Villa…
Agbonlahor makes a valid point, as given the pandemic has taken its financial toll on many football clubs across the world, owners could be reluctant to spend big on transfer fees with there still being some uncertainty on when fans will be able to return en masse.
In Manchester City’s case, even though the owners aren’t necessarily short on cash, they would probably like to put their financial resources into replacing the departing Sergio Aguero.
Grealish has been in fine form this season for Villa, racking up six goals and 12 assists in the Premier League, so if he is to stay, it will be a huge boost for Dean Smith and his men.