Aston Villa have confirmed their spot in the 2024/25 Champions League, an achievement that has seen Jack Grealish’s dream take a huge step forward.
All eyes were on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday night as Manchester City took control of the title race before the final day however, their victory meant more than just the fight for the top spot.
Spurs’ 2-0 defeat at home to the treble winners confirmed that Aston Villa will participate in next season’s Champions League, as the Lilywhites are now unable to catch Unai Emery’s side to claim fourth place.
It’s a remarkable feat for Villa and a deserved achievement for Emery and his players, who have done an exceptional job balancing the Premier League and the Europa Conference League this season.
The reality may not have sunk in for Villa fans far and wide, and even more so for one supporter who was present at Manchester City’s victory in North London.
Jack Grealish has seen his Aston Villa Champions League dream move a step closer
Jack Grealish was an unused substitute for City’s win against Spurs, three points that would have meant so much to the Bodymoor Heath graduate.
Not only did the victory put Pep Guardiola’s side in touching distance of the Premier League title, but also confirmed Villa’s participation in next season’s Champions League, something that Grealish has dreamed about.
12 years ago, the Birmingham-born star tweeted that he hoped Villa would be crowned Champions of Europe again when celebrating 30 years since the class of 1982 won the biggest domestic prize.
It was a wholesome tweet from Grealish, who made 213 appearances for his boyhood club before leaving for £100m in 2021 to join City, where he has since won the Champions League himself.
Could Jack Grealish return to Aston Villa?
The Englishman’s dream has taken a positive step, with Villa now having the chance to win the Champions League by being involved in the competition.
While Grealish will be overjoyed with the Villans’ achievements, the 28-year-old will be hoping to see some more positivity himself as a player, after what has been a dreary season for the former Villa captain.
The England international has fallen down the pecking order at City, securing only 10 Premier League starts this season, adding fuel to the rumours that speculate his future.
Speaking exclusively to Aston Villa News, HITC journalist Graeme Bailey explained that City ‘would consider offers’ for the former Villa man.
“As Kalvin Phillips has found out, Pep Guardiola demands 100% commitment from his players and it is believed that has been lacking at times with Jack Grealish at City this season.
“Whilst a popular figure in the squad, he is not the first name on the teamsheet – I understand City would consider offers but Grealish himself loves life at City and is not ready to move.”
It opens a very interesting prospect for Villa, who could see their former hero become available to purchase in the summer, a scenario that could make the wildest of dreams come true.
Villa’s firm focus will be on looking ahead to next season after the highs of this term, while Grealish’s mind will be on securing his third Premier League title with City, however, the summer has the power to present the most unexpected scenarios, with the Englishman’s future something to track.
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