News Splash!!! Aston Villa Set to Fend Off Everton Interest in John McGinn Amid Summer Transfer …
Everton Eyeing McGinn to Bolster Midfield Options

Aston Villa Set to Fend Off Everton Interest in John McGinn Amid Summer Transfer Speculatio
Birmingham, UK – July 8, 2025
Aston Villa are reportedly determined to retain the services of club captain John McGinn this summer despite growing interest from Premier League rivals Everton. The Toffees, led by manager Sean Dyche, are believed to be keen on adding McGinn’s energy and experience to their midfield, but Villa are preparing to rebuff any potential approaches as they continue to build on their recent success under Unai Emery.
Everton Eyeing McGinn to Bolster Midfield Options
Everton’s interest in McGinn is no surprise. The 30-year-old Scottish international has long been admired for his tenacity, leadership, and ability to dictate play in midfield. Following a turbulent 2024/25 campaign in which Everton narrowly avoided relegation, Dyche is seeking experienced Premier League operators to stabilize the squad. Sources close to Goodison Park suggest McGinn tops the club’s summer shortlist as they look to inject steel and composure into their midfield engine room.
McGinn’s contract at Villa Park runs until the summer of 2027, putting the Midlands club in a strong position to reject any advances unless a significant offer arrives. Reports indicate that Villa value the player in the region of £30-35 million, a fee that might prove steep for Everton unless they first secure outgoings.
Unai Emery Firm on Key Squad Members
For Villa, McGinn’s presence remains integral. The Scotland international played a vital role in Aston Villa’s impressive 2024/25 season, which saw the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the early 1980s. Emery is understood to view McGinn not only as a leader on and off the pitch but also as a tactical asset in Villa’s dynamic midfield system.
Sources close to the club suggest Emery has personally requested that McGinn not be sold under any circumstances this summer. With the club returning to Europe’s top table and preparing for a challenging campaign ahead, keeping senior figures like McGinn has become a top priority.
Speaking earlier in the year, Emery praised McGinn’s contributions:
> “John is a true professional and a warrior for the team. His commitment, leadership, and personality are part of the club’s identity. He represents what Aston Villa stands for.”
McGinn’s Stance: Committed But Curious
McGinn himself has given no indication that he is actively seeking a move away from Villa Park. He remains a fan favorite and has often spoken of his love for the club since arriving from Hibernian in 2018. However, sources close to the player suggest that while he is fully committed to Villa, he would be open to listening to plans from other clubs if Villa were to consider selling.
The Scotland captain’s stock has continued to rise following his strong performances in both the Premier League and the Euro 2024 qualifiers. With Villa set to compete on multiple fronts next season, McGinn could be tempted by the prospect of a more central role elsewhere, especially if the club’s transfer activity sees increased competition for midfield places.
Financial Fair Play and Squad Balancing
One of the key factors driving speculation around possible outgoings at Villa this summer is the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) framework. With big-money signings expected, including a potential £50m-plus move for a new striker, Villa may need to balance the books. While McGinn is not believed to be among those the club would consider selling, any significant bid from Everton could force a rethink.
Nevertheless, Villa insiders maintain that any departure of a figure as central as McGinn would only come under extreme circumstances, and only if the player himself were to push for an exit—something that has not occurred as of yet.
Everton’s Transfer Dilemma
Everton, meanwhile, remain in a state of flux. With ownership issues still unresolved and the new stadium project continuing to stretch financial resources, Dyche’s ability to reshape his squad hinges on shrewd business. While McGinn is seen as a transformational signing, it’s unclear whether Everton can realistically meet Villa’s valuation without first selling key assets like Amadou Onana or Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Conclusion: A Tussle Likely, But McGinn Expected to Stay
While Everton’s interest in McGinn is real and serious, Aston Villa appear resolute in their stance. With Champions League football on the horizon and an ambitious project underway under Unai Emery, the club sees McGinn as a pillar for the future, not a dispensable asset.
Unless there is a dramatic shift in circumstances—or a bid that dramatically exceeds Villa’s valuation—it is likely that John McGinn will remain in claret and blue for the 2025/26 season, much to the relief of the Villa faithful.
As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on Villa Park to see whether the club can continue to fend off interest in their star performers, with McGinn just one of several key players attracting attention across Europe.