The Manchester City Football Club officially signed English midfielder Jack Grealish onto their roster on Thursday for a six-year stint, effectively marking one of the costliest transfers in the Premier League.
The Thursday announcement came after Man City had submitted an offer and activated a hefty £100 million release clause in Grealish's contract with fellow club Aston Villa.
“I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City,” Grealish said in a statement released by 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."
In a statement released via Twitter, Grealish thanked his Aston Villa family and fans for the 19 years of experience, underscoring that while the leave is tough, the club will be "in great hands."
"I'll always be a Villa fan - I love this club with all my heart & I hope you understand my reasons for seeking a new challenge," he wrote. "The club are in great hands, the manager, the lads, the new signings coming in - it's an exciting time to be a Villa fan. I'll see you all again soon."
Prior to Grealish's transfer fee, the previous recordholder was French midfielder Paul Pogba, who transferred from Juventus to Manchester United in 2016 to the tune of £93.25 million.
Grealish had been with Aston Villa since he was six years of age and enrolled in the club's academy. He did not make his debut with the team until 2014, when he played against Man City at the Etihad Stadium.
The confirmed transfer comes on the heels of reports indicating that fellow English player Harry Kane may soon be parting ways with Tottenham Hotspur and going to Manchester City for a record £160 million deal.