Jack Grealish becomes Britain’s transfer-record signing for Manchester City

This past week, Aston Villa sold midfielder Jack Grealish to Manchester City for a British transfer record £100 million. The deal was an incredible one for Aston Villa, who got the deal completed by August 7, which meant Grealish’s £100m release clause had to be honoured — Manchester City had no idea that had they waited until August 8, they could have paid less.

How significant is the Jack Grealish transfer to Man City?

Grealish’s signing is significant for English football and Manchester City, and not just due to the amount of money paid for him. The £100m transfer was more than the previous British record which was set by Manchester United in 2016. Paul Pogba’s £89m deal has arguably not worked out for the Old Trafford team and Manchester City will hope Grealish fits in better.

Jack Grealish, who turns 26 in September,  signed a six-year contract at Manchester City. He will remain at the Etihad Stadium until 2027 at the earliest. The midfielder is expected to earn a weekly wage of more than £300,000, according to The Athletic. He is now the joint sixth highest wager earner in the Premier League. The league’s highest earner is Grealish’s new teammate, Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian earns £385,000 per week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwHCQzT5-bc

An Aston Villa academy lad

The midfielder came through the Aston Villa academy. He made his Aston Villa senior debut on 7 May 2014 at the age of 18. Coincidently, Grealish was a second-half substitute against Manchester City. Aston Villa lost the game 4-0. Grealish was regularly linked with a transfer away from Aston Villa, but until now, had stayed with the club.

In the summer of 2020, Manchester United attempted to sign him. However, Grealish signed a new five-year contract to remain at Aston Villa. His player over the last two seasons solidified Aston Vill as a top-flight club.