Manchester City have confirmed the British record signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for £100m. The 25-year-old has signed a six-year contract worth over £200,000 a week, becoming the most expensive British player in history, surpassing Paul Pogba's £89.3m transfer to Manchester United in 2016.
Grealish, who will wear the No. 10 shirt vacated by Sergio Agüero, underwent his medical on Thursday after City triggered the release clause in his Villa contract. The midfielder described the move as a 'dream come true', citing the opportunity to work with manager Pep Guardiola and compete for major trophies as key factors in his decision.
Villa had attempted to retain their captain with an improved contract offer, but Grealish was swayed by City's ambition. The club have since spent heavily to soften his departure, signing Emiliano Buendía, Leon Bailey, and Danny Ings for a combined £85m, with Ashley Young also returning on a free transfer.
City are now expected to pursue Harry Kane, having had a £100m bid rejected by Tottenham. Spurs are holding out for at least £150m for the England captain, who has missed pre-season training amid the transfer speculation.
Grealish, who earned his first England cap last September, expressed excitement at playing alongside Kevin De Bruyne, calling him 'the best in the world' after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He believes he can adapt to Guardiola's system, stating he can play as a No. 8, No. 10, on either wing, or as a false nine.
