Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in a British record deal, thought to be worth £100m.
The 25-year-old completed his medical with the Premier League champions on Thursday, and has now put pen to paper on a six-year deal at the Etihad Stadium to end his 20-year association with boyhood club Aston Villa.
Grealish becomes the first English player to break the £100m barrier, and the reported fee sees him smash the previous British transfer record of Paul Pogba's £89m move to Manchester United in 2016.
"I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City. City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it's a dream come true to be part of this club," Grealish told the club's official website.
"Over the past 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently. Pep [Guardiola] coming here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe. To play for Pep and learn from him is going to be special and it's something any top footballer would want.
"The facilities are amazing, and I honestly can't wait to get started, meet everyone and get playing."
Director of football Txiki Begiristain added: "We are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Jack Grealish to Manchester City. He is an incredible talent.
"Jack's development over the past few seasons both for club and country has been plain for everybody to see. His natural talent together with his commitment to improve as a player, has seen him become one of the most exciting attacking players in world football today.
"I am certain that the fans are going to love seeing him in our team. Pep loves the way he plays, and we all feel he is an ideal fit for Manchester City. Our style and his style are a perfect match. I'm excited to watch him over the coming years."
HE'S HERE!
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 5, 2021
We are delighted to announce the signing of @JackGrealish on a six-year deal.
Welcome to City, Jack! 💙
🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/5Y3gMREmKL
Grealish came through the ranks at Villa before going on to make 213 appearances for the first team, scoring 32 goals and assisting 43.
The creative midfielder, who will wear the number 10 shirt for Man City, was also part of the England squad that made it through to the final of Euro 2020 this summer, ultimately falling short against Italy at Wembley.
The deal sees Grealish become the sixth-most expensive player of all time, behind only Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Philippe Coutinho, Joao Felix and Antoine Griezmann.
Barney Corkhill
