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The transfer work conducted last summer has ensured that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp need not panic and lunge into completing business in January, having addressed his key concerns.

Indeed, Liverpool fell by the wayside last season, finished fifth in the Premier League and relinquished their seven-year stint in the Champions League – reaching the final three times and winning one.

But class is permanent and all that, and Klopp succeeded in reviving his squad with an injection of fresh quality and is now competing for silverware once again, top of the league table and in with a shout across every competition thus far.

Premier League Top Four

Matches

Wins

Draws

Losses

Points

GD

1. Liverpool

20

13

6

1

45

25

2. Man City

20

13

4

3

43

25

3. Aston Villa

21

13

4

4

43

16

4. Arsenal

20

12

4

4

40

17

And as the Reds are firing on all cylinders, bolstering the fold is hardly paramount even if there are several concerns around the squad's depth.

Sealing deals for players that would improve the existing crop is a tricky task at the season's midpoint, and so Klopp appears to be preparing for the end of the campaign, with sights set on completing his new-look engine room.

Liverpool's midfield shortlist

Despite the several impactful midfield signings made at Anfield last summer, there remains a sense that something is missing, with Wataru Endo proving to be an astute addition in the holding role yet not considered the long-term solution.

Therefore, it makes sense that Liverpool have been linked with a move for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes of late, with the 26-year-old – understood to have a £100m release clause – revealed to be on the club's radar at present, with a host of other top European outfits interested.

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Signing Guimaraes will not be easy and for this reason, the Reds appear to be lining up an alternative in his Brazilian compatriot Douglas Luiz, with Football Insider reporting that Klopp's side have entered the race for the Aston Villa centrepiece with Barcelona, rivalling long-time admirers Arsenal for his signature.

Villa believe they have a gem of equal measure to Guimaraes on their books and are adamant that he will command a £100m fee, should he indeed depart Villa Park in 2024.

Douglas Luiz's season in numbers

Liverpool's success so far this season suggests drastic measures need not be taken over the next few weeks, with the current options in the centre of the park more than capable of charging the endeavours during the business end of the campaign.

It would also be near impossible to convince high-flying Aston Villa to part with arguably their best player at the midpoint, with so much on the line for Unai Emery's side.

Across all competitions this term, Douglas Luiz has posted seven goals and six assists across 30 fixtures, captaining his team on several occasions as they fight for top four in the English top-flight and silverware in the FA Cup and Europa Conference League.

As per Sofascore, Douglas Luiz has played 20 times in the Premier League this season, clinching six goals and three assists, completing 89% of his passes, averaging 1.5 key passes, 2.1 tackles and 6.2 ball recoveries per game while winning 63% of his dribbles and 55% of his contested duels.

Douglas Luiz: Biggest Strengths

# Passing

# Key passes

# Long shots

# Through balls

# Set-pieces

*Sourced via WhoScored

Furthermore, as per FBref, the £75k-per-week machine ranks among the top 17% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 16% for shot-creating actions and the top 21% for assists and passes attempted per 90, highlighting his attacking quality.

Such efforts have led The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell to pronounce him "the complete player" for his all-consuming approach to his midfield work, having sharpened his tools to a fine point while still maintaining the intrinsic defensive aptitude that makes him such a coveted prospect for a fluid system such as Liverpool's.

But would he be the better pick when considering both him and the Magpies' Guimaraes? Both are high-class midfielders with plenty of Premier League experience, equally effective as the kernels of their outfits.

How Douglas Luiz compares to Bruno Guimaraes

Guimaraes might not have been on English shores for as long as his countryman but he has made quite the impression since signing for Eddie Howe's side from Lyon for £40m in January 2022, since featuring 87 times and clinching 11 goals and ten assists.

The parallels are intriguing, with both Newcastle and Aston Villa in the ascendancy since their midfield fulcrums took their own game to the next level, and either would be a credit to Liverpool's centre.

But it's simply not realistic to imagine both plying their trade on Merseyside, so the question remains as to which star would be better suited to life under Klopp's wing.

Douglas Luiz vs Bruno Guimaraes (PL Stats 23/24)

Stat (per 90)

Douglas Luiz

Guimaraes

Matches played

20

20

Goals

6

1

Assists

3

3

Pass completion %

89%

85.5%

Progressive passes

5.67

7.55

Progressive carries

1.96

1.58

Shot-creating actions

3.81

3.01

Successful take-ons

0.77

1.79

Tackles

2.11

2.24

Blocks

1.24

1.28

Interceptions

0.72

0.87

Clearances

0.77

0.61

Aerial wins

0.88

0.41

*Sourced via FBref

Well, it's clear to see that Douglas Luiz is more crisp in possession and creative when distributing the ball forward, despite Guimaraes' constancy in his progressive passing.

However, with the Villan more frequent in his forays forward, this is only natural, and while Guimaraes' greater success in beating his opponent with the ball at his feet suggests superiority, the clip below negates such an argument.

Guimaraes is also a little more active in his defensive duties but infinitesimally so; in the Premier League this term, his average of 2.2 tackles and 6.1 ball recoveries per game is practically identical to his countryman's, with his duel success rate of 57% marginally better.

Douglas Luiz is also way more commanding aerially and this is important for Klopp in winning second balls and instigating counter-surges with snappy speed.

Once described as a "warrior" by broadcaster Jack Grimse, Luiz would not come cheap but given his multi-functionality in his craft, he might just be the perfect addition for a Liverpool team targeting a new wave of illustrious success.

There's not a great deal to complain about at Liverpool right now – bar the usual injuries and Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo's absences on international duty this month – with Jurgen Klopp's side firing across all cylinders.

Top of the Premier League after 20 fixtures, there is a growing belief that the Anfield side could claim their second league title under Klopp's leadership, also into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and the knockout stage of the Europa League.

January 2019 was the last time the Reds opted not to strengthen the ranks at the season's midpoint, and while Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo's additions over the past two years suggest that business could be done this month, last summer's sweeping changes mean that it is unlikely anything drastic will happen.

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Joel Matip is out for the season but Jarell Quansah's rise to the fore has come at the perfect time, with Endo's recent displays anchoring the midfield suggesting that heavy spending is not needed in that department.

This is not to say that Liverpool aren't monitoring and plotting ahead of the campaign's conclusion, however, with a Premier League phenom reportedly being lined up.

Liverpool transfer news – Michael Olise

According to Football Insider, Michael Olise's new release clause with Crystal Palace is well in excess of £40m, with Liverpool – alongside Chelsea and Manchester City – interested in securing his signature.

Chelsea activated Olise's £35m release clause in August but a completed deal never materialised and the Eagles convinced their star attacker to sign fresh terms, raising the buyout in his contract.

Liverpool have been sending scouts to observe the France U21 international in action for the past few months and will be at the front of the race to sign him in the summer.

Michael Olise's style of play

Palace signed Olise from Championship club Reading for only £8m in 2021, and after an impressive debut campaign that saw him clinch 12 direct goal contributions from just 16 starts across all competitions, the whiz posted 11 assists from 31 starts during the 2022/23 league campaign.

As per FBref, the 22-year-old ranks among the top 16% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 10% for shot-creating actions, the top 15% for tackles, the top 13% for blocks and the top 6% for interceptions per 90.

Inventive, artful and industrious, Olise embodies the application and dynamism that Klopp demands in a player, and it would be wise to ensure that moves are made to stand a good chance of closing a deal in several months.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Crossing

Aerial duels

Creativity

Tackling

Taking set-pieces

Dribbling

Direct free-kicks

Ball retention

Defensive contribution

*Sourced via WhoScored

A man of many talents, Olise would be a credit to Liverpool's team and could even serve as the principal creative outlet, allowing the dynamite forwards to wreak havoc with their shooting.

Of course, playmaking isn't the only string to Olise's bow, as has been evidenced through his clinical exploits this term…

Michael Olise's season in numbers

Returning from a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the opening three months of the 2023/24 campaign, Olise has plundered five goals and an assist from just seven Premier League matches so far.

Heralded as a "pure joy to watch" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 5 foot 10 gem has been an electric presence, maintaining his flair and creativity despite his newfound cutting edge.

Indeed, as per Sofascore, Olise has completed 81% of his passes and averaged 2.2 key passes, 2.7 dribbles and 7.4 duels per game.

Certainly not one-dimensional, it's no wonder that some of English football's mightiest forces are eager to secure his services, and should Klopp succeed in this transfer endeavour, he might even make a transformative move to replicate Tottenham Hotspur's signing of James Maddison.

Why Michael Olise would be Klopp's own Maddison

Maddison was crowned the Premier League's Player of the Month in August after a brilliant start to life in London, signing from relegated Leicester City for £40m last June.

While the Foxes fell into the second tier, the 26-year-old was hardly culpable after scoring ten goals and providing nine assists from only 28 starts.

But such feats attracted Spurs' attention and his signing was considered a bargain for one so talented, with the Times' Henry Winter remarking that it was "buys of the summer", especially given that Newcastle United had fiercely pursued a transfer since the PIF takeover back in 2021.

The Magpies failed with a £50m summer bid in the past before seeing fresh discussions come to nought after Tottenham edged ahead in the race.

The England international has been sidelined with an ankle injury for the past few months but is soon to return to match action and continue to stake his claim as one of the finest creators in the Premier League, averaging 2.9 key passes per outing.

The £170k-per-week star ranks among the top 3% of positional peers for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, showcasing his elite ball-playing ability.

While Maddison plays centrally and Olise tends to be deployed out on the right wing, Liverpool could triumph in signing a creative player from a lower-positioned side in the league ladder and nurture them toward a starring role at the forefront of the European game.

After all, Kulig has said in the past that the Selhurst Park maverick is “one of the best wide playmakers in Europe”.

The fact that Chelsea failed to sign Olise at the start of the season draws another parallel between this transfer saga and Maddison's; Liverpool will need to ensure that they capitalise and sign an elite talent.

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O técnico Marcos Vizolli terá problemas para encarar o Grêmio, no próximo domingo (14), às 20h30, em Porto Alegre, pela 36ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Isso porque o lateral-direito Juanfran, o meia Igor Gomes e o atacante Pablo levaram o terceiro cartão amarelo no empate por 1 a 1 contra o Ceará, e estão fora do confronto.

São Paulo perto de anunciar Crespo: lembre os treinadores estrangeiros do Tricolor

O primeiro que recebeu e advertência foi o camisa nove. Com 22 minutos do primeiro tempo, ele puxou Samuel Xavier no campo de ataque e foi advertido. Sem ele, Vizolli pode escalar Tréllez ou Carneiro no ataque para fazer dupla com Luciano.

SIMULE OS JOGOS DO SÃO PAULO NO BRASILEIRÃO

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Igor Gomes tomou o amarelo aos três minutos da segunda etapa. Ele dividiu com Fernando Sobral e levou demais o pé, dando uma solada. O árbitro Savio Pereira Sampaio deu o amarelo. Os substitutos podem ser Hernanes ou Tchê Tchê, caso Gabriel Sara se recupere.

Logo depois, aos 21, Juanfran se desentendeu com o auxiliar técnico do Ceará e acabou recebendo o terceiro amarelo. Igor Vinícius deve entrar em seu lugar.

Com o empate, o São Paulo permaneceu na quarta colocação, com 59 pontos, longe da liderança do Brasileirão. O Tricolor segue sem vencer no ano, com quatro derrotas e três empates em sete jogos.

It's been reported this week that Chelsea are "set to cash in" on one of their "selfless" players next month, even if he actually wants to stay.

Chelsea transfer plans for January

Despite spending in and around £400 million in the summer transfer window, Mauricio Pochettino's side have undergone a mixed bag of form so far this season.

Sitting in and around mid-table, the Blues could seriously improve in some areas, as some issues arguably lie both in defence and further forward.

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Long-serving centre-back Thiago Silva also looks set to leave Chelsea when his contract expires in 2024, prompting reports that chairman Todd Boehly and co are eyeing his successor.

Chelsea have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah in this regard, while other media sources believe Napoli star Victor Osimhen is a top target for Pochettino as he chases a prolific goalscorer.

Boehly's heavy spending over the last 12 months, though, means Chelsea may have to sell on more of their squad members in an attempt to comply with FFP.

Chelsea "set to cash in" on Chalobah

This is echoed by TEAMtalk, who claim that outgoings are set to be a big theme of Chelsea's January transfer business.

One player who now seems more and more likely to leave is versatile defender, Trevoh Chalobah. The 24-year-old seems out of favour under Pochettino, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest thought to be potential landing spots for him mid-season.

The player himself wants to remain at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea are "set to cash in" on Chalobah regardless. The Englishman has been in west London since childhood, though it now appears likely he'll wave goodbye to his boyhood club in January.

While Pochettino doesn't see Chalobah as viable for the long-term, he's a player who appears to have split opinion at Chelsea over the last 12 months.

Former interim boss Frank Lampard, for instance, was actually a big fan of his.

“He’s such a selfless lad. He doesn’t say ‘I want to play in this position,” said Lampard to the media last season.

“Maybe (his best position) will become apparent, but I think he’s played really well in a back three for the club. (He had) a really good period when he first got into the team, he can play well as a centre-back in a back four and at right-back. The bigger picture is the way he’s been applying himself since I’ve come back.

“He’s a delight to train with every day because he comes in with an enthusiasm, low maintenance, and when you talk about the things you want, he tries to do them on the pitch, which is a great thing.

“In my short period here, you look at what are the games and the individual players, I’ve been very happy. I was looking forward to working with Trev because I didn’t get that chance when I was here before.”

Fresh off the back of two dismal 3-0 defeats at Old Trafford, Manchester United found solace on the road with a narrow, 1-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League this afternoon, as Bruno Fernandes struck a late blow at Craven Cottage.

That well-placed strike from the Portuguese playmaker in stoppage time may well have papered over the cracks of another limp showing from Erik ten Hag's men, in truth, with the Red Devils hardly inspiring much confidence for much of the 90-plus minutes.

As such, despite the end result, the former Ajax boss will need to reflect on the overall performance from his side on the day, with £86m man, Antony, among the worst performers yet again in his right-wing berth.

Antony's game vs Fulham in numbers

It remains frankly head-scratching that United forked out such a sizeable fee for a player who seemingly offers nothing in an attacking sense, with another game going by in which the 23-year-old failed to score or register an assist.

With no goal contributions to his name in all competitions this season – as well as just four goals and two assists in the Premier League in total since the start of last season – it beggars belief that Ten Hag continues to select such a misfiring asset week-in, week-out.

While options on the right flank are limited, the one-time Sao Paulo man must find himself ditched moving forward following an "abysmal" performance – according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst – having been hooked after 63 minutes after making few inroads in attack.

The one-footed enigma notably failed to provide a single key pass and completed just one of his four attempted dribbles, while defensively he was also rather suspect, having been branded "pathetic" by TNT Sports pundit Jermaine Jenas in commentary for failing to prevent his compatriot, Willian, from firing at goal in the first half.

His replacement, by contrast, made the most of his limited time on the pitch, with Facundo Pellistri having arguably been Ten Hag's "unsung hero" on the day and now "needs to start games ahead of the woeful Antony", according to Forbes' Sam Pilger.

Facundo Pellistri's stats vs Fulham

As Statman Dave noted on Twitter, the young Uruguayan made a "big difference" after entering the fray off the bench, having even gone close to getting himself on the scoresheet after seeing his weak-foot attempt saved by Bernd Leno at the near post.

While the 5 foot 9 gamechanger was unable to open up his scoring tally for United, he did register a first Premier League assist after teeing up Fernandes for the game's decisive goal, having initially shown real endeavour and fight down the right flank in the build-up to that clincher.

Aside from that stunning contribution, the former Penarol ace did only make 15 touches in total – while also committing two fouls – yet there was enough there for both Ten Hag and supporters to be encouraged by moving forward.

As someone who arguably "offers more than Antony", Pellistri now seemingly just "needs a proper run in the team" – in the words of journalist Jay Motty – having thus far played second fiddle to his fellow South American over the past 18 months or so.

On the evidence of today's showing, however, it must well be time for Antony to be ruthlessly dropped moving forward, with a change in attack needed if United's frontline are to start truly firing this season.

Kings XI Punjab have opted for a straight trade in IPL 2019’s first trading window, by bringing back batsman Mandeep Singh in place of Australia allounder Marcus Stoinis. While the return of Mandeep, who played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) last season, was confirmed, Stoinis’ trade was agreed to by the franchises with the formalities in process.Mandeep, a regular for Punjab in domestic tournaments, had represented Kings XI from 2011 to 2014 before moving to RCB in 2015. He was bought by RCB again in the 2018 auction, for INR 1.40 crore (approx USD 218,000 then). Stoinis, too, had been lapped up by RCB but Kings XI used the Right-To-Match card and retained him for INR 6.20 crore (USD 970,000 then). Mandeep played 40 T20s for RCB, scoring 597 runs at an average of 22.11 and a strike rate of 128.94. For Kings XI, Mandeep had scored 763 runs in 41 matches at a similar average of 21.19 and a lower strike rate of 120.72. He had also represented Kolkata Knight Riders in 2010 and batted only twice with scores of 4 and 0.Stoinis had 19 appearances for Kings XI from 2016 to 2018, to score 262 runs at a strike rate of 126 and take 13 wickets with an economy rate of 9.52.Less than two weeks ago, RCB had let go off South Africa wicketkeeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock in an all-money trade with Mumbai Indians.The IPL has two main trading windows with the first one starting immediately at the end of the season stretching to a month before the auction and the second one from after the auction till the start of the tournament. Since 2018, the IPL also introduced a mid-tournament window for franchises to trade uncapped players and players who had not played more than two matches.With the last date for retentions and release being November 15, franchises are busy working out their plans for the new season before they make fresh buys at the auction, which is expected to take place around mid-December. A purse of INR 3 crore will be available for the franchises in addition to the balance left after last year’s auction.

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Confira a tabela atualizada do Brasileirão

Phil Parkinson says Wrexham should have "comfortably" beaten Harrogate Town but they couldn't find that "killer" moment in the goalless draw.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Wrexham draw 0-0 with Harrogate
• Home side frustrated with point
• Parkinson bemoans missed chances

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Dragons had 62 percent possession and 16 shots to the visitors' three on Tuesday night but had to settle for a point at the Racecourse. While the result saw the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned club rise to second in the League Two table, manager Parkinson rued his side's inability to claim all three points.

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• Getty
  

  WHAT PHIL PARKINSON SAID

  He said after the match: "I think we did a lot of things right, we dominated the game, but the crossing was not of the standard it needed to be to create enough chances. I thought the lads gave everything, there was nothing left out there tonight (Tuesday), but we just couldn't find that killer moment to open the game up. We know Harrogate have done well away from home all season, they sit in, they make it difficult. They worked hard, you've got to give them credit for that, but really it was a game that, on the balance of play, we should have won comfortably."

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Wrexham moved up a place to second with the draw and sit in the second of three automatic promotion spots with nine games of the season remaining. They have a four point gap ahead of Crewe in fourth and still have promotion in their hands, despite the feeling that they dropped two points against Harrogate.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Wrexham – who have the best home record in League Two – are at the Racecourse once again when they host mid-table Tranmere on Saturday, before travelling to relegation-threatened Grimsby Town the following weekend.

أوضح مصدر بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، أن البرازيلي روجيرو ميكالي، المدير الفني للمنتخب المصري الأولمبي، رفض أن يبدأ معسكره غدًا بدون لاعبيه.

ويدخل منتخب مصر الأولمبى، بقيادة ميكالى، معسكراً مغلقاً ببرج العرب بالإسكندرية غدًا الجمعة استعداداً لأولمبياد باريس 2024.

وأسفرت قرعة منافسات كرة القدم فى أولمبياد باريس 2024، عن تواجد المنتخب الأولمبي المصري، ضمن المجموعة الثالثة برفقة منتخبات إسبانيا والدومينيكان وأوزبكستان.

ويأتي قرار ميكالي، في ظل رفض نادي بيراميدز إرسال لاعبه إبراهيم عادل قبل خوض مباراة الأهلي في الدوري المصري، المقرر لها يوم 12 يوليو الجاري.

والنادي الأهلي ربط السماح للاعبيه كريم الدبيس وحمزة علاء وأحمد نبيل كوكا بالانتظام في معسكر منتخب مصر بانضمام إبراهيم عادل للمعسكر.

اقرأ أيضًا | محمد يوسف يُقدم حلا لأزمة انضمام اللاعبين إلى منتخب مصر الأولمبي

وأفاد المصدر لـ بطولات أنه لا صحة لرفض الأندية الأخرى إرسال لاعبيها لمنتخب مصر، حيث تم التواصل مع تلك الأندية وأبدوت موافقتها على انضمام اللاعبين المختارين للمنتخب الأولمبي.

وطلب ميكالي من الأهلي ضم كل من محمد عبدالمنعم وإمام عاشور، ورفض النادي طلب المدرب بسبب المباريات التي سيخوضها في هذه الفترة.

وعقب ذلك طلب ميكالي انضمام ياسر إبراهيم بدل من عبد المنعم لأنه لا يشارك مع الفريق، ولكن الأهلي أيضًا يرفض انضمام لاعبه.

وأشار المصدر إلى أن وزير الشباب والرياضة، أشرف صبحي يتحدث مع نادي بيراميدز بشأن انتظام إبراهيم عادل في المعسكر من بدايته، ويتحدث مع الأهلي للحصول على موافقته بشأن ضم اللاعبين الكبار للمنتخب.

وفي محاولة تقديم حلول أخرى، عرض أشرف صبحي تأجيل الدوري ولكن الرابطة تتحفظ على ذلك المقترح بسبب ضيق الوقت.

Aston Villa are enjoying a new-found level of success under Unai Emery, with the Villans back among European competition and continuing to climb the table following the Spaniard’s arrival.

When the former Villarreal boss took charge from Steven Gerrard in October 2022, Villa were sat in 16th place in the Premier League table with little direction and fluctuating form, form that he immediately turned around to see his side finish 7th last term.

A successful summer in the transfer market put the Villans in good stead to progress beyond their 7th place finish in 2022/23, and while a lot of the club’s recent progression is thanks to Emery, there is another figure that enabled everything to unfold as it has today.

When Villa sold Jack Grealish in 2021, many were anxious over the void that the Bodymoor Heath product would leave in the squad however the £100m profit that was generated from the sale proved to be integral to the club’s development.

How long was Jack Grealish at Aston Villa for?

A product of Villa’s budding academy, Grealish lived his childhood dream in representing the Midlands side for 19 years of his playing career, joining at the age of six and leaving as the club’s captain.

The Englishman made a total of 213 appearances for Villa over the years, scoring 32 goals and registering 43 assists in all competitions for the first team.

Deployed as both an attacking midfielder and a left-winger, the academy graduate was handed his league debut in 2014, playing two minutes against Manchester City.

The following term in the 2014/15 campaign, the Birmingham-born ace made his breakthrough into the first team by securing 17 appearances, added to the season after where he recorded 15 top-flight appearances.

It was in the Championship that Grealish began to really impose himself as more than a sporadic talent in the ranks at Villa Park, where in the 2016/17 season he contributed to five goals and five assists in 31 league appearances.

Jack Grealish's Premier League record at Aston Villa, via Transfermarkt

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

2013/14

1

0

0

2014/15

17

0

1

2015/16

16

1

0

2019/20

36

8

6

2020/21

26

6

12

The academy graduate’s importance to his boyhood club became paramount, as he continued to be the integral source behind the attacking threat in the squad, amounting to him being named club captain in 2019 following Villa’s promotion back to the Premier League.

In 2021, the lifelong Villan flew the nest to sign for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, ending his playing days in claret and blue with 96 top-flight appearances.

How much was Jack Grealish worth at Aston Villa?

While it was difficult for Villa to see Grealish depart, the club can take credit for the midfielder’s rise to stardom and development through the ranks at Bodymoor Heath.

Back in the summer of 2015 after a partial breakthrough into the first-team squad, the youngster’s expected transfer value (xTV) was recorded by FootballTransfers as being in the region of €4.4m (£4m).

There was a consistent growth in Grealish’s market value whilst at Villa, highlighted by FootballTransfers when revising his xTV during the transfer window periods.

In the January window of 2020, the Englishman’s xTV had risen to €10.9m (£9.4m) which soared to a figure of €30.9m (£26.7m) by that summer, highlighting just how much of a gold mine Villa were sitting on by developing his talents.

The winter window of 2021 saw his xTV hit €50.8m (£44m), following an identical pattern to the year prior as it rose again by the summer to €68m (£58.9m) a month before his move to Manchester.

Dean Smith sold his star player for £100m in 2021, pulling off Villa’s biggest-ever sale and showcasing just how successful the story of a six-year-old hopeful at his boyhood team can be for both player and club.

What is Jack Grealish’s market value now?

It’s expected in the market nowadays for a player to be sold way beyond their expected value, taking into consideration other elements such as contract and as highlighted by Villa, how detrimental losing one player could be to a squad.

Despite missing almost 80 days worth of football due to a shinbone injury during his final campaign with the Villans, Grealish was directly involved in 18 of the club’s 55 Premier League goals, scoring six and assisting 12 in just 26 appearances.

His importance to Smith’s side at the time made his record-breaking deal at the time somewhat palatable for both City and Villa to agree on.

The Midlands giants got a stellar deal for their star, as shown by the funds they acquired as a result of the sale, and when considering the value of the England international today.

As per FootballTransfers, Grealish’s current xTV sits at €47.5m (£41.1m), showcasing the strength of the deal that Villa struck to allow the Bodymoor Heath gem to depart.

Why is he worth that much?

Once lauded as “magnificent” by journalist Josh Bunting, the 28-year-old has grown into life at the Etihad, after struggling in his first season with Guardiola’s side.

Despite winning the Premier League during his debut campaign, all accolades were topped in the 2022/23 season as the winger was an integral part of City’s treble-winning side.

Aside from his 16 goal contributions in all competitions that year in the footballing calendar, Grealish prevailed as one of the top players in his position in Europe, ranking in the top 3% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for his ball-carrying ability.

As per FBref, the Englishman averaged a monstrous 6.25 progressive carries per 90 for City over the past year, reinforcing how dynamic his talent can be when playing at his best level.

Were Villa right to sell Jack Grealish?

As touched upon, it was never going to be easy for Villa to bid farewell to their academy graduate after an association spanning over 19 years, however the sanctioned move for Grealish came at the perfect time for the club.

When Smith sold the then 25-year-old, he transformed the financial outlook of the club, which has arguably triggered the spike in progression under Emery thanks to the available funds to support the squad.

As highlighted this year by football finance expert Kieran Maguire, Villa’s financial situation could have been extremely worrying had they not sold Grealish, with Maguire revealing the club’s day-to-day operating loss of £96m throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

Thanks to the £100m received for the Champions League winner, such woes turned into a £1m profit, portraying how much of an impact the winger made on his boyhood club by simply being a player valued so highly in the market.

Looking at Villa’s current success and financial situation, it was not only inevitable that Grealish would one day leave, but integral that Smith sanctioned his exit, in a move that generated millions for the club.