Former Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has publicly advised Jack Grealish to consider a dramatic return to his former club, Aston Villa, in a bid to revive his footballing career.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Scholes expressed concerns over Grealish’s limited involvement at Manchester City, especially after the England star was left out of the squad for City’s final Premier League game of the season against Fulham. The reigning champions clinched a 2-0 victory, but Grealish was absent from the matchday lineup.
According to Scholes, the move back to Villa Park could provide Grealish with the necessary spark to regain his best form. “He needs to get away and re-energise his career. We all know what a good footballer he can be, but for the last couple of years, it’s been up and down,” Scholes noted
Scholes did not hold back as he highlighted a defining moment that could have unsettled Grealish, the sight of 18-year-old Claudio Echeverri getting minutes ahead of him in a crucial game. For the ex-United star, that would have been a bitter pill to swallow. “Watching the young lad coming on in the final ahead of him would have been a real kick in the teeth,” he said.
The former midfielder believes that the best solution for both Manchester City and Grealish would be a mutual parting. “I think it is best for both parties for him to leave the club. Why should he not consider going back to Aston Villa?” Scholes added, suggesting that Villa’s current trajectory under Unai Emery could be the perfect setting for Grealish to shine once again.
Grealish has faced a stop-start spell under Pep Guardiola since his big-money move to City in 2021. Despite moments of brilliance, consistency has eluded the England international, and injuries haven’t helped either.
In recent months, Grealish has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot, raising questions about his long-term future at the Etihad. His omission from the squad in important fixtures has sparked speculation about an impending summer exit.
Adding more weight to Scholes’ comments, legendary striker Alan Shearer has also previously called on Grealish to look elsewhere if he wants to regain his top form and get regular playing time. Shearer stressed that staying on the bench would only continue to hinder his progress, especially with the Euros and World Cup around the corner.
If Grealish does take Scholes’ advice, a return to Aston Villa, the club where he made his name could offer the familiarity, freedom, and responsibility he needs to flourish again. Villa, who continue to push for European football, might benefit from his return as much as he would.
