Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Thu 21 May 2026 7:30, UK

Karlan Grant took delight in Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph – or that of one player, at least – despite his West Bromwich Albion ties.

West Brom’s West Midlands rivals Villa ended their three-decade wait for a trophy on Wednesday night as they beta Freiburg 3-0 in Istanbul.

Albion academy graduate Morgan Rogers was on the scoresheet, as were Youri Tielemans and Emi Buendia, as the Villans made it a night to remember.

The Baggies’ current woes, with the club finishing just above the Championship relegation zone, does not make seeing the success of rival teams – even if not their biggest rivals – any easier.

But Grant, whose West Brom future remains unclear, was one of those who was happy to see Villa succeed.

Karlan Grant shows pride in Ezri Konsa achievement

Grant has been offered a new contract by West Brom and is currently deliberating over whether to put pen to paper.

The 28-year-old is a divisive figure but certainly has his uses, as reflected by the fact he appeared 29 times for the Baggies this past season in all competitions, 27 of those in the league.

He scored four goals from an expected goals (xG) value of 3.31, showing he slightly outperformed in that area of his game.

What will not go down so well with Albion fans, though, is that Grant took to Instagram late on Wednesday night to revel in Villa’s Europa League triumph.

Or more specifically, Ezri Konsa’s part in the famous win for Villa, with the pair having come through Charlton Athletic’s academy system together.

Grant shared a video of Villa players, including Konsa, lifting the trophy in Istanbul and wrote: “My brother, man. You deserve it.”

The former England age-grade international then reposted an image of Villa lifting the trophy, with Grant tagged.

What’s the latest on Grant’s contract situation?

West Brom confirmed last week that Grant and Josh Maja have been offered new contracts, with Jed Wallace and Daryl Dike not being offered fresh terms.

There has not been any further updates on that front, but you would expect a decision to be made one way or another before too long.

Grant spent a period out injured last season before returning for the run-in and James Morrison would clearly like him around for next season.

While some fans would rather just see the back of the forward, it must be remembered that a replacement would need to be found and that will cost money.

Albion could do with instead spending those funds on other players to strengthen what is already in place at The Hawthorns.