Jack Grealish could become a mainstay in any Premier League team but the time is right to join Manchester City, according to Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin. Reports suggest that Grealish is on the verge of a £100m move to the Etihad Stadium, with City readying an opening offer for this week. While there are suggestions that Aston Villa are trying to convince their captain to stay with a new contract, many believe that the time is right to make the move. One of those who believes so is Austin, who has played in the Premier League for Queens Park Rangers, Southampton and West Brom. He was asked if now is the right time for Grealish to move up a level.
Charlie Austin said: “I think so. He gets you off your seat and fans off their seats watching. He’s an exciting player and someone you’d want at your football club. You look at Aston Villa, how big they are, are they going to go to the next level? Are they going to be able to give Jack Grealish trophies? Not too sure. I think it would be a great move and I think it is time for him to take his whole game to the next level. We look at how Dean Smith’s managed him and how everyone’s coached him etc but imagine him under Pep. It’s different, he’s the best coach in the world.”
Grealish is known for his direct dribbling and passing, while he is also one of the fouled players in the Premier League over the last two seasons. Austin says that will only help as he steps up to European football.
Charlie Austin said: “He’s so clever. I think that goes underestimated for him, people say he holds on to the ball too much. He doesn’t, he just sucks them in and then all of a sudden he moves the ball and foul. He gets his team up the pitch 30 yards and another 30 yards. I think he’s a special player and he adds goals to his game and assists then he’s ultimately what you’d want. You’d want Jack Grealish in every Premier League team.”