Aston Villa captain John McGinn committed his future to the team on Wednesday afternoon by signing a new deal that will keep him at Villa Park until 2028.
The Scotland international has been at the heart of Villa’s rise over the past six years, becoming a cornerstone of the team’s journey from the Championship to Champions League football under Unai Emery.
McGinn’s Villa journey
John McGinn joined Villa in 2018 from Hibernian for just £2.8 million, when Steve Bruce was in charge. The then-23-year-old quickly became a fan favourite, winning the Supporters’ Player of the Year award in his debut season and famously scoring the winner in the Championship play-off final against Derby County to seal Villa’s return to the Premier League.
Leader on and off the pitch
Under Emery, McGinn has been central to Villa’s impressive progress both domestically and in Europe. His spectacular long-range strike in last season’s 3-2 Champions League victory over eventual winners PSG was voted the club’s Goal of the Season, epitomising his ability to deliver in big moments.
Speaking after the contract announcement, Villa described McGinn as “the embodiment of our journey and ambition,” adding that his extension “reflects the values and spirit that define Aston Villa.”
‘A real success’ — Stubbs’ prediction fulfilled
McGinn’s former Hibernian boss Alan Stubbs predicted his success upon his move to England, calling the midfielder “an absolute steal” at the time.
“He’s got all the attributes to be a real success at Aston Villa — not just his use of the ball but his strength and dynamism,” Stubbs told BBC Sport in 2018.
Seven years later, with Champions League football secured and John McGinn firmly established as one of Villa’s most influential figures, Stubbs’ words have proven prophetic.
For supporters of Villa, McGinn’s contract extension is more than just another agreement; it’s evidence of the team’s development and goals for the future.
