The 30-year-old has been a fundamental figure for Villa since joining us from Hibernian in 2018, as he’s gone on to make 285 appearances for the club, scoring 30 goals and providing 40 assists to go with his overall influence in our midfield.
_**READ MORE: [Eight players who returned to Villa pre-season training on opening day](https://talk-villa.com/aston-villa-eight-players-pre-season-training-return-mings-kamara/)**_
With the ability to set the tone and standard with his tenacity, energy and commitment, McGinn has been a driving force in the Villa XI for some time, and that has continued under Unai Emery, albeit he has had to show his versatility to play in different roles when required.
The expectation is that he will remain a pivotal part of Emery’s plans moving forward, and so although [The Athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6477734/2025/07/08/transfer-news-latest-arsenal-manchester-united-lionel-messi-real-madrid/?source=emp_shared_article) report that Everton are keen on signing the Scotland international, Villa are said to have responded by indicating that they would like to keep him.
Although no further details are provided in terms of how much Everton might be willing to spend to prise McGinn away, that’s the sensible option from a Villa perspective as we need the leadership, experience and quality that McGinn provides, as he’s a prominent personality and character within the squad and will continue to be so in the upcoming campaign.
In turn, it’s hoped that that ultimately ends Everton’s potential pursuit, as Villa perhaps consider alternative options to sell this summer in order to ensure we comply with UEFA’s SCR rules moving forward having addressed our PSR concerns.
Along with Tyrone Mings, McGinn is one of the main stalwarts at the club, and although he must continue to prove himself on the pitch and earn his position in the starting line-up, it’s crucial to have those leading figures around the group to continue to hold them to the necessary standard and continue what has been an incredible journey for them over the past seven years given the club’s upward trajectory during that period.
It remains to be seen who we bring in this summer to strengthen the squad, but whether it’s across the trident behind the frontman or in a deeper role in our pivot, McGinn will continue to provide Emery with a crucial and versatile option moving forward.
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