Godwin ObajeEverton Eye Ambitious Swoop for Aston Villa Captain John McGinn – But Face Major Hurdles
Everton are reportedly plotting an ambitious move for Aston Villa’s midfield dynamo John McGinn as David Moyes looks to bolster his squad ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign. However, any potential transfer appears highly complex, with Villa said to be firmly unwilling to part ways with their captain.
According to reports from The Athletic and BBC Sport, the Toffees have identified McGinn as a key target as they ramp up efforts to strengthen a midfield that has seen both promising additions and lingering vulnerabilities. The 29-year-old Scotland international is considered one of the cornerstones of Unai Emery’s resurgent Villa side, and prising him away from Villa Park would require a considerable effort — and likely a substantial bid.
McGinn, who arrived at Villa in 2018 from Hibernian for just £2.75 million, has developed into one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League. His combative style, leadership qualities, and tactical intelligence have made him indispensable to Villa’s system. Last season, he played a crucial role as the Midlands club pushed deep into the Champions League and secured a sixth-place league finish, only narrowly missing out on a repeat qualification.
Everton’s interest comes amid a wider squad overhaul under Moyes, who returned to Goodison Park in a bid to restore stability and ambition to a side that has flirted with relegation in recent seasons. The Scot is understood to be a long-time admirer of McGinn’s attributes and believes the Villa skipper’s drive and energy could prove transformative in Everton’s midfield.
While the Blues have secured the services of Idrissa Gana Gueye for another season and made the loan move of Carlos Alcaraz permanent, Moyes still sees room for improvement in central areas. With Amadou Onana attracting interest from top clubs across Europe and André Gomes unlikely to be retained, reinforcements are a pressing need.
McGinn’s potential arrival would certainly signal intent — but also raise eyebrows. Villa’s reluctance to sell is no secret. Sources close to the Birmingham club insist that McGinn is “not for sale” this summer, with Emery viewing him as an essential figure both on and off the pitch.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is McGinn’s own status as club captain and a fan favourite. He signed a contract extension in 2022 that ties him to the club until 2027, leaving Villa in a strong negotiating position should any formal offers materialise.
Everton have also been linked with a move for another Villa-linked name — Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz — who recently departed for Juventus, further indicating Moyes’s desire to add proven Premier League pedigree to his ranks.
As it stands, McGinn remains a long-shot target, but the coming weeks will reveal whether Everton’s interest turns into a formal bid — and whether Villa’s stance holds firm in the face of growing pressure.
The chase may be on, but for now, John McGinn to Everton remains a rumour shrouded in uncertainty.
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