Top 5 possible destinations for John McGinn

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John McGinn is being scouted by many big clubs

Four years is a significantly long time in football as a lot can change in this span, both in terms of a player’s worth and his stature, be it for good or for worse. Among the currently active players who will be able to explain the statement perfectly is John McGinn.

The Scottish midfielder was not particularly known outside his nation back in 2018 when he was playing for Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership. In fact, he was playing in the second division, the Scottish Championship till the 2016-17 season, and played a crucial role in his team’s promotion.

While not many teams were keeping an eye on what was going on with Hibs, Aston Villa was an exception. Their scouts were keenly monitoring the midfielder and eventually found himself worthy enough to offer him a contract.

McGinn joined the team from Birmingham for an absolute steal of a transfer fee – only £2.5 million. He found himself in a situation that he had become accustomed to – in the second division, as Aston Villa were then playing in the EFL Championship.

However, as he did with Hibernian, the lad from Glasgow played an immensely important role in getting his team back to the first division, and since then, his story with the Villans has been special. He has played 148 matches, where he has scored 16 goals and has also received an Aston Villa player of the season award.

After what we have said so far, it should not be a surprise that many big teams are now circling McGinn like sharks, desperate to secure his signature and services. He has a contract till 2025, but in case a big opportunity comes with a big transfer fee, it is very likely that neither his team nor the player himself will be able to resist, irrespective of the healthy relationship between the two parties.

Check out five teams who might be interested in signing McGinn:

1. Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur is interested in signing John McGinn

Tottenham Hotspur is interested in signing John McGinn

After securing a place in the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League, Tottenham Hotspur is likely to revamp their existing squad and they already have started the work. Ivan Perisic has become the club’s first signing for the next season, and McGinn could become the second.

Antonio Conte has a lot of talented attackers at his disposal, but he still needs more options in the middle of the park. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur are looking like the only two reliable players for that position, with Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp being inconsistent. Hence, McGinn will be a great addition to their squad.

2. Manchester United

Like Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United is also in the market for a midfield, except that their need is much more than Spurs’. France international Paul Pogba and Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic have both departed the club on free transfers, meaning that new manager Erik ten Hag will be found wanting for players to dominate the midfield.

The likes of Fred and Scott McTominay have not always been reliable, while Donny van de Beek did not look promising in the last few matches he played for Everton on loan. The Red Devils also have a couple of other options in Hannibal Mejbri and Facundo Pellistri, but both of them are still very young and it will be unfair to throw them at the deep end in such a tumultuous situation in the club. Hence, McGinn will be a valuable signing for ten Hag.

3. West Ham United

West Ham United could go all out for John McGinn if Declan Rice leaves the club

West Ham United could go all out for John McGinn if Declan Rice leaves the club

West Ham United has admired McGinn for a long time now, having scouted him since 2018. However, they have never really been in the race to sign him, which could ultimately change this season because of the current scenario at the club.

Club legend and midfield general Mark Noble has hung his boots after an illustrious career, while there are talks of Declan Rice leaving the club as well. To add to their woes, Spartak Moscow loanee Alex Kral has not looked particularly impressive in the few opportunities he got and the Czech Republic midfielder could be on his way back to Russia. Quite understandably, manager David Moyes is hence very adamant to sign a midfielder.

4. Newcastle United

It seems that Newcastle United is interested in signing every player under the sun ever since their takeover by the Saudi Arabians, but one particular area where they certainly need reinforcements in midfield, despite signing Bruno Guimaraes in the winter transfer window.

The likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie are in their thirties and are now past their prime, while youngsters in the likes of Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock have not delivered consistently, turning up only in spells. Accordingly, McGinn could solve many of the Magpies’ existing problems.

5. Liverpool

Liverpool signing McGinn looks a bit far-fetched and unlikely, but it has been well-documented that the Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the player. Hence, it will also not be a surprise if they do pursue the midfielder’s signature.

The chances, however, are lesser than the possible transfers we have listed previously in this article. The reason is pretty simple – Liverpool already boasts of a pretty formidable midfield contingent which features Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara among others. Besides that, veteran midfielder James Milner has also signed a contract extension.

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