John McGinn signs new five-year deal

As people await more signs of a new striker on deadline day — Aston Villa took care of an important piece of business for a player already in the claret and blue. John McGinn was the deal of the season last year and the leadership at the club wanted to make sure it was the deal that kept on giving — at least for the next five years. This summer there were rumors that Manchester United were interested in the Scottish midfielder and I would guess the club fielded some other calls as well.

But with this signature McGinn gets a pay raise (presumably) and Villa get control of the player over the long term. And this is a reminder — McGinn is only 23-years-old the same age as his midfield partner Jack Grealish. We get to watch those two grow together in the top tier in England. This makes me happy.

CEO Christian Purslow is happy to get the deal done, “We are delighted to secure John’s services for the long term at Aston Villa. He is the type of player Dean Smith and our ownership group want to build our Club around: young, determined, athletic, technically-gifted and passionate about winning.”

McGinn told the club, “I have loved every minute of my time at Aston Villa and I am delighted to commit myself to the Club for the long term.”