29 Dec 2025 22:18:39
Halfway through the season, what's everyone's thoughts on Grealish and taking up the £50mill option?
I'm on the fence personally, I think it's a lot of money for someone who will be 31 in September and when I compare him to Ndiaye, I know who I prefer.
I think he's a great lad but I'm on the fence at the moment.
{Ed025's Note - im with you Jase..
29 Dec 2025 23:30:58
The problem in my head is the £50m and his age Jase. Then there is his wages. He’s subsidised at the moment but won’t be if we signed him permanently.
You’re right: it’s a lot of money for a 31 year old… though in this day and age, he could well play into his mid 30s. Could that cash be spent better elsewhere?
29 Dec 2025 23:52:43
If the rumours are true and we could possibly negotiate a fee of 30-35million then I'd sign him. But only if he's still making a difference in games at 2nd half of season. I just hope we get a clinical striker, a centre midfielder and 2 full backs in January.
29 Dec 2025 23:57:38
I would definitely prefer N’Diaye to Grealish, but I am not sure N’Diaye will stay beyond the summer. A lot of clubs will be in for him and he will have a high price.
30 Dec 2025 00:02:04
If we do sign him I think we would negotiate the fee down to about the £30M mark as City don't want him back and I can't see another club paying £50M. I gather that he took a wage cut to join us and I think all he wants to do is play football and don't see money as his motivation.
He obviously loves it here so I think he would be prepared to take a hit financially. Just need a full back who can overlap and take one of his markers with him!
30 Dec 2025 10:02:01
Grealish is a tricky one.
Clearly a very good player but for me he could be doing more - he’s probably one of the most fouled players in the league so it’s frustrating he doesn’t make many runs into the box and try and draw a foul in there, he also doesn’t shoot as much as he should, some of the positions he gets in are great but instead of shooting he passes.
Only minor issues but if he did the above I think he would be even better for us.
He is a player that gets the crowd on their feet and he’s a joy to watch, just wish he’d back himself a bit more.
Commercially I imagine he’s been a massive success for us, not only generating sales of shirts but getting the media and neutrals involved in wanting to follow us l.
From that perspective his signing would be a no brainer as he’s such a marketable player.
It certainly looks like he’s enjoying his time with us and I’d imagine if he gave a green light to joining permanently the club would be looking at ways to get that done - imagine there’s some wriggle room in the £50m fee that’s been mentioned.
{Ed025's Note - i think you have got that just about right Dan..
30 Dec 2025 10:08:18
Seems like a decent bloke and is good for the dressing room. There is no doubting his footballing ability. He holds on to the ball very well but I do think he is quite predictable with his patterns of play and teams have cottoned on to him a bit. He lacks the pace/acceleration to beat a man so he certainly isn’t helped by the fullback behind him and it is the same on the other side with O’Brien.
I think with the age and lack of pace, I would prefer to look elsewhere. Nothing against Grealish mind.
30 Dec 2025 10:20:01
There are a few things come into play here. One is cost, two is wages and three is length of contract. Could prove to be a very expensive acquisition.
30 Dec 2025 11:45:20
The finances are the only concern for me, as a footballer, professional and person i'd sgn hom everyday.
Age doesn't concern me, he could easily play a more central playmaker role.
30 Dec 2025 12:51:55
I'm generally against paying any sort of significant fee for players over 29, and I think 50m is way too much, but he's one of very few players who I think age won't affect too much. Physicality isn't a part of his game at all.
Hyperbole aside, though, i think the only thing which Will cause his to start degrading will be playing with our squad (you can always tell when we've bought from a bigger team as they all drill their passes and have much better first touches, but that fades over time) so I think we should only go for him if he's available for around 25m.
{Ed025's Note - i think £25-30m would be fair Alex, but his wage demands would have to be realistic as well mate..
30 Dec 2025 13:14:10
What is frustrating with Grealish is his refusal to shoot. I also think he lacks timing, surprised nobody has worked on that aspect with him.
30 Dec 2025 13:18:57
Lacks timing hahaha what is he a car? Ridiculous post.
30 Dec 2025 13:28:05
"Ify Grandma had wheels she'd have been a bike" I have no idea why this came to mind when I read your post Reg, but it did.
30 Dec 2025 14:21:38
That's it for me now.
30 Dec 2025 14:51:17
What’s all that about.
30 Dec 2025 16:50:33
Isn't AI great:
In football, "timing" is a crucial skill that refers to a player's ability to coordinate their movements and decisions in sync with the ball, teammates, and opponents, ensuring they are in the right place at the right time.
30 Dec 2025 19:29:45
Correct but in this case I was referring to Grealish inability to hit kick the ball hard. To throw, kick or punch (boxing) you need coordination and timing. If you watch Grealish he can cross a ball but his shooting is weak. But Big Reg can tell you more about it.