John McGinn ‘to leave’ Aston Villa as Unai Emery eyes summer transfer
Aston Villa and John McGinn have been a match made in heaven, but that relationship may come to an end this summer if Unai Emery is successful in his attempts to sign a rival midfielder.
Aston Villa have had somewhat of a mixed campaign so far this year, with several impressive results massively weighed down by the occasional upset with Emery’s side occupying 10th place in the Premier League.
Despite that, the Villans are just five points outside of the Champions League spots, and McGinn has been a regular starter throughout the period.
Since making the move from Hibernian in 2018, the Scotsman has made a remarkable 271 appearances in the famous claret and blue, though his time at the club may be coming to an end.
Emery eyes Adam Wharton deal
Despite Aston Villa having a number of midfield options, Emery appears to be keen on adding another one in the form of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
That is according to a report in the point edition of the Daily Mail (4 March, back page), where it states that Villa have “shown interest” in the former Blackburn ace.
On paper, it would be a remarkable signing, though it could have a telling effect on the future of McGinn, whose contract is up in the summer of 2027.
| Aston Villa | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| John McGinn | 271 | 28 | 35 |
If Wharton were to sign, he would be a guaranteed starter, given the likelihood of a huge price tag and increasing wage demands, which could, in turn, see McGinn drop out of favour.
At 30 years old, McGinn is unlikely to settle as a rotation option, while Villa may be keen to offload him 12 months before he is able to depart on a free transfer.
Wharton signing could take Villa to next level
Since the appointment of Emery, Villa have progressed massively, with it only a few seasons ago that they were constantly deemed as favourites to go down.
Fast forward to now, and they are a side more than capable of challenging at the top end of the table, with a stature that allows them to attract big-name players.
Wharton would fit that bill, and if Villa can seal a deal for the midfielder, it would be a massive statement of intent and a signing that would take them to the next level.