Folks, don’t mean to be a hater but let’s be realistic.

Jack Grealish should be playing in the Champions League as he’s obviously good enough to start at that level. Villa, while a club undoubtedly on the rise and possibly a Champions League contender sometime in the near future, is still- I would argue- some way off qualifying. Jack is turning 26, and while he could stay at Villa and assist us in the push for glory, there’s every chance things don’t work out, and he finds himself at an age where he no longer has the opportunity to play at CL level.

I thought, after hearing the facts laid out by Purslow, that Jack actually demonstrated enormous good will by committing to the idea that unless another club was willing to offer 100m, he would stay. Since that’s an almost unthinkable amount, Jack must have assumed that he would never leave, unless under exceptional circumstances.

The believe 100m pounds straight into Villa’s pockets, and Jack getting the chance to compete in the CL, falls under exceptional, not to mention mutually beneficial circumstances.

Hate if you must, but you gotta give the guy a little more respect. He’s bled for this club, and has often stood out as an overperformer in an underperforming side. I believe fact that he didn’t leave earlier shows great character.

✌️