Man City have confirmed the signing of Jack Grealish for a British-record fee of £100m on a six-year deal from their Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
Pep Guardiola has long been an admirer of the Englishman, who enjoyed a stellar season for his boyhood club Aston Villa last season.
Grealish was involved in 16 goals from his 26 outings for Villa in the top flight last term. He has also impressed for England under Gareth Southgate.
£26m Grealish disparity after Pep’s ‘pig-headed unwillingness’
The Villans set a £100m asking price for Grealish. This fee was offered by Man City last week which pushed the transfer near to completion.
On Thursday evening, the Premier League champions announced via their official website that Grealish had signed a six-year deal.
The club also announced that the midfielder will take the number ten shirt. Speaking on the move, Grealish said he cannot wait to work with Guardiola:
“I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City,” Grealish said. “City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it’s a dream come true to be part of this club.
“Over the past 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently. Pep coming here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe. To play for Pep and learn from him is going to be special and it’s something any top footballer would want.
“The facilities are amazing, and I honestly can’t wait to get started, meet everyone and get playing.”
Man City‘s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, believes that Grealish is an “incredible talent”:
“We are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Jack Grealish to Manchester City. He is an incredible talent.
“Jack’s development over the past few seasons both for club and country has been plain for everybody to see. His natural talent together with his commitment to improve as a player, has seen him become one of the most exciting attacking players in world football today.
“I am certain that the fans are going to love seeing him in our team. Pep loves the way he plays, and we all feel he is an ideal fit for Manchester City. Our style and his style are a perfect match. I’m excited to watch him over the coming years.”