Unai Emery grateful as John McGinn transfer ‘surprise’ emerges at Aston Villa
John McGinn has continued to prove his worth in an Aston Villa shirt.
McGinn was on the scoresheet as Villa beat Bologna in the Europa League, netting the only goal in a 1-0 win at Villa Park.
This summed up the Villa captain’s influence, with McGinn also performing at the top level for Scotland in the most recent international break.
The 30-year-old followed this up with yet another strike from the edge of the box as Villa beat Fulham 3-1 in the Premier League.
Two goals in two much-needed wins, Unai Emery is likely to be pleased after what was an eye-opening summer on the transfer front for McGinn.
John McGinn linked with shock Aston Villa exit
McGinn emerged as a transfer target for Everton in the window as David Moyes looked to add a fellow countryman to his squad.
A move never materialised, but with Villa willing to let go of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United, anything appeared to be possible in B6.
The claret and blue outfit turned down an approach from the Toffees, with McGinn going from strength to strength ever since.
Former Villa scout Bryan King was surprised that an exit was ever on the table, but believes Emery will be pleased to have kept hold of his skipper.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “It’s just what Villa needed.
“Emery should be grateful that they never got rid of him in the summer. He’s showing everybody once again that he puts in 100 per cent, he’s always fully involved.”
“He’s an Aston Villa player without any shadow of a doubt. He certainly puts himself about, and he’s been picking up goals as well.
“I was surprised that Emery and Villa even thought about getting rid of a player who has established himself since the Steve Bruce days.”
Aston Villa can’t let go of McGinn
In the modern world of football, when do you ever pick up a star player for just £2.5million? Never.
McGinn signed for Villa when they were in the Championship, and he has gone on to be one of their best-ever players.
| Stat | John McGinn |
| Appearances | 295 |
| Goals | 32 |
| Assists | 38 |
His goal against Paris Saint-Germain will go down in Villa folklore forever, as will his chant, which has been sung almost since the day he made his debut against Wigan Athletic.
Allowing him to move on and join another Premier League club wouldn’t be the ending that he deserves after seven years in B6.
McGinn sets the standards and has proven that in the last two weeks, something which Emery will undoubtedly be delighted by.
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