The footballing world was in shock on Monday afternoon, as it emerged that Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish had broken the government guidelines for combating the Coronavirus by leaving his house and visiting his friends.
Grealish made the ill-informed decision to leave his house just hours after posting a video on social media urging fans to follow the advice given, by staying at home to protect the NHS. Newspaper reports pictured Grealish leaving a friend’s house on Sunday evening after crashing his car in the Solihull area. Aston Villa reacted efficiently by condemning the club captain’s actions and handing out a fine. But, could Grealish have just squandered any hopes of playing for one of Europe’s elite?
Reports Indicate Suitors Looking Elsewhere
Tottenham Hotspur had previously been linked with the Villa captain, and they remain the second favourites in the betting to get the playmaker. However, Jose Mourinho would have undoubtedly been put off the midfielder following the news. The bigger clubs in the division often look at a player’s character before making a move for them, and that would be a serious negative for Grealish at this point.
Spurs aren’t the only possible suitors, as Manchester United have also been heavily linked with an £80 million move. However, the Red Devils have been apparently put off Grealish following his actions over the weekend, and now may look elsewhere to bolster their midfield.
Is There Any Way Back For Jack?
Of course, there is always a way back for Grealish, but he has already been in trouble in the past. Negative headlines about players are not something that any club wants, but it is hard to look past the Villa man’s ability on the pitch.
He will still be a vital player for his current club when the season resumes, as his form could be the difference between Villa staying up or going down. However, he will have to be electric between now and the summer window to get the elite clubs in Europe back chasing him.