JAKARTA - Manchester City have completed the transfer of England midfielder Jack Grealish from Aston Villa on a six-year contract. This announcement coincides with the decision Messi made not to continue his career at Barcelona.
City did not disclose the amount they paid for Grealish's transfer, but British media reported that the deal was worth £100 million, making Grealish the most expensive player in Premier League history.
HE'S HERE! We are delighted to announce the signing of @JackGrealish on a six-year deal. Welcome to City, Jack! #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/5Y3gMREmKL
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 5, 2021
Grealish is confirmed to wear the number ten shirt at his new club, which Sergio Aguero left after joining Barcelona at the end of last season.
The 25-year-old still has four years left on his Villa contract after signing the deal in September last year.
Grealish's move to City broke the Premier League transfer record previously held by French midfielder Paul Pogba, who rejoined Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for a fee of £89.3 million.
"City are the best team in the country with a coach who is considered the best in the world - it's a dream come true to be a part of this club," Grealish said at the club's official introduction.
"Over the last 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently. The arrival of Pep (Guardiola) here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe."
Grealish started his career in Villa's academy before making his senior debut in 2014. The former Villa captain played more than 200 games for the West Midlands club and scored 32 goals.
GREALISH ️ CITY #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/c4DYdWztdB
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 5, 2021
Grealish briefly represented the Irish national team at youth level, but decided to play for England in 2015 and made his Under-21 debut a year later.
He made his first appearance in the senior national team in September 2020 and has since made 12 appearances for the Three Lions.
Grealish was included in the England squad that reached the final of Euro 2020, where they lost on penalties to Italy.
This transfer is a strong statement from coach Pep Guardiola who wants to defend their Premier League title and fight to win the Champions League.
But on the other hand, should the coach regret his decision to give the number ten jersey to Grealish considering he really wanted to bring Messi to the Etihad?
Guardiola had planned to build his team around Harry Kane and Grealish in attack, but Messi's exit from Camp Nou changed everything.
With Kane's deal still far from over, the Premier League champions are already looking to change their plans and turn their attention to Messi. Of course, Guardiola would love to work with the Argentine again.
City are scheduled to face FA Cup holders Leicester City in the Community Shield on Saturday 23:15, 7 August. They start their 2021-2022 Premier League season with a trip to Spurs on 15 August.
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