(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
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John McGinn exit news: Three players who could become Aston Villa’s new captain

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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John McGinn could well be on his way out of Aston Villa this summer.

The Villa captain has been vital to the Birmingham outfit’s rise up the Premier League table in recent years.

However, McGinn is now linked with an exit, with Newcastle interested in the Scotsman. 

While it remains to be seen if the 30-year-old makes the move up north, Unai Emery will now have to make contingency plans for his exit. 

As a result, Aston Villa News have highlighted three players who could become the new captain if McGinn were to leave. 

Emi Martinez Aston Villa
Emi Martinez has regularly captained Aston Villa (Credit: Imago)

Emi Martinez

The obvious choice if McGinn is to leave, Emi Martinez has already captained Villa multiple times. 

The Argentine international is currently the Birmingham outfit’s vice-captain and has regularly worn the armband in McGinn’s absence.

Alan Hutton also claimed back in March 2024 that Martinez would be the Villa captain if the Scotsman were to leave.

However, given the speculation regarding Martinez’s future, Emery may be reluctant to pass him the honour and look to give it to a star whose future is more secure. 

Aston Villa Youri 1Tielemans
Tielemans has become a fantastic player at Villa (Credit: Imago)

Youri Tielemans

Youri Tielemans has quickly established himself as a vital player at Villa since his transfer in 2023.

The midfielder has already played 99 times for the Birmingham outfit in all competitions, with the manager showing great trust in the 28-year-old.

Villa are rumoured to be giving Tielemans a contract soon, which would secure his future at Villa Park for the foreseeable future. 

On top of this, the Belgian international has captained his country several times, which may make him ideal for the role. 

Konsa is now a regular at Aston Villa (Credit: Imago)
Konsa is now a regular at Aston Villa (Credit: Imago)

Ezri Konsa

A potential long shot, but Ezri Konsa may stand a chance of becoming the next Aston Villa captain.

The 27-year-old is one of Villa’s longest servants after signing in 2019 upon their promotion to the Premier League, 

Since then, the defender has gone from strength to strength and is now a regular England international.

Given how well Konsa knows the Birmingham club, and his permanent place in the starting XI, Emery may consider the defender as a potential option. 

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John McGinn
Ezri Konsa
Youri Tielemans
www.astonvillanews.co.uk