Grealish’s £30m release clause means not all that much has changed for Villa

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After a summer of financial uncertainty, Aston Villa made something of a statement by tying down Jack Grealish to a new five-year deal last week.

The move showed the fans that the new owners have serious ambition, that they have recognised he is the club’s best hope of promotion and that Grealish wants to remain at Villa Park.

It was no doubt a popular decision, but unfortunately it doesn’t change a great deal for Grealish or Villa.

That is because the new contract reportedly contains a £30m release clause in the event that the Villans once more fail to clamber out of the Championship.

That means, in reality, Villa are in the same position they were in this summer. If a big bid comes in – and now their valuation is public knowledge – they will be forced to sell their prize asset.

Daniel Levy may well be prevented from playing hardball, but he also knows the exact amount of money it would take to get his man.

That leaves Villa just as vulnerable, and just as desperate for promotion as they ever were, in terms of their star man’s future.