Aston Villa can’t replace Grealish, but Nick Powell would seal some cracks
By Josh Tonti
It would be impossible for Aston Villa to fully replace the magical Jack Grealish should the Solihul-born attacking midfielder depart. But Wigan’s Nick Powell could be the best, most-affordable option with a little untapped potential.
24-year old attacking midfielder Nick Powell is a ready-made replacement for Jack Grealish.
Well, as good as a replacement can get for the prodigious Aston Villa midfielder. Wigan Athletic, back in the EFL Championship after a season in League One, could sell the player should the right offer come in. Powell won EFL League One Player of the Season award last year after 15 goals in 39 games from the No. 10 hole. He’s a tall player at 6’0″ – capable of creating value in several facets of the game. He has history, too, in the EFL Championship. Powell put together 1.5 seasons of good loan play with Wigan in previous years.
Villa Verdict
Aston Villa and Steve Bruce have been linked in a £5 million move for the player’s services. Powell is entering the final year of his deal which complicates matters further for Wigan. In reality, this move only seems plausible if Jack Grealish leaves for greener pastures in the Premier League. His sale and a few other minor cost-cutting actions should alleviate Financial Fair Play concerns and give Villa room to make a small move or two.
Powell is as close to Grealish-replacement as any that will hit the market within Villa’s realm.
He’s entering his prime at 24 years of age and won’t turn 25 until the following March. He has Premier League experience with Manchester United, succeeded twice in the Championship with Wigan, and won League One Player of the Season last campaign.
If Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens need to sell Grealish to comply, the new ownership group would go a long way in stamping their new-and-improved transfer policy in a ~ £5 million move for Nick Powell.