Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has advised Jack Grealish to consider a move away from Manchester City this summer, suggesting a return to Aston Villa could help revive his career.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Scholes shared his views following Grealish’s absence from City’s squad for their final Premier League game of the season—a 2-0 win over Fulham on Sunday. The England international did not travel with the team, highlighting his ongoing struggle for game time under Pep Guardiola.
“He [Grealish] needs to get away and re-energise his career,” Scholes said. “We all know what a good footballer he can be, but for the last couple of years, it’s been up and down.”
Scholes pointed to the decision to bring on teenage prospect Claudio Echeverri in the final match as a significant moment that could have demoralised Grealish. “Watching the young lad coming on ahead of him would have been a real kick in the teeth. That would’ve hurt him,” he added.
Scholes believes a clean break would benefit both the club and the player. “I think it is best for both parties for him to leave the club. Why should he not consider going back to Aston Villa?”
Grealish joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a British record fee but has struggled to cement a consistent starting role. Meanwhile, former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has also previously urged the 28-year-old to consider leaving City in search of regular football.
