---
title: "Aston Villa face new threat in Jack Grealish transfer race"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/03/aston-villa-face-new-threat-in-jack-grealish-transfer-race/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-08-03T13:24:34Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T11:43:10Z"
---

# Aston Villa face new threat in Jack Grealish transfer race

**Aston Villa face fresh competition from Atletico Madrid as Unai Emery considers bringing his former captain back to Villa Park.**

The latest development has seen Diego Simeone’s side enter the race alongside Villa and Everton.

[ReadAstonVilla reported on Sunday that Villa have discussed re-signing Grealish](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/02/aston-villa-discuss-move-to-re-sign-jack-grealish/), five years after his £100million move to Manchester City.

Villa believe the 30-year-old could add experience and creativity to Emery’s attack following significant changes this summer. Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans have already left, while Leon Bailey could also depart.

> EXCLUSIVE: Jack Grealish being monitored by Atletico Madrid as two Premier League clubs consider move for Man City outcast | [@Ekremkonur](https://x.com/Ekremkonur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [https://t.co/nzUIHztDEo](https://t.co/nzUIHztDEo)
>
> — The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) [August 2, 2026](https://x.com/TheSunFootball/status/2083906951088365770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Atletico join Jack Grealish transfer race

[According to The Sun, Atletico Madrid are now considering a move for Grealish](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/39943130/jack-grealish-atletico-madrid-villa-everton-transfer/), with Simeone believed to admire his work rate, pressing and tactical discipline.

A move to Spain would come with competition for places. Atletico have already signed Lee Kang-in this summer, while Alex Baena, Thiago Almada and Ademola Lookman provide further options in wide areas.

Everton also remain interested after Grealish spent last season on loan at Goodison Park. The England international scored twice and provided six assists before a foot injury ended his campaign in January.

He has since returned to training but did not travel with Manchester City for their pre-season tour of Hong Kong and South Korea as he continued his recovery. Grealish has instead worked on his fitness in Spain while his future remains unresolved.

Villa would provide a familiar route back into regular Premier League football. Grealish came through the club’s academy and made 213 senior appearances before City activated his £100million release clause in 2021.

However, there has been no reported Villa bid or agreement with City. Atletico’s interest now gives Grealish another option if Emery decides to turn Villa’s discussions into a formal move.