Decision on stunning Celtic signing made with deal confirmed

Aston Villa captain John McGinn has signed a new contract, effectively ending speculation surrounding a potential transfer to Celtic for the foreseeable future.

The Scotland international is the midfield dynamo of Unai Emery’s side, and the Spaniard was desperate to keep him around for the long haul. McGinn joined Aston Villa in 2018 and has been integral to their rise from the Championship to last season’s Champions League.

The Birmingham giants have now announced that McGinn has extended his stay at Villa Park until 2028, marking a decade at the club if he is to see out his new deal.

This has put to bed the speculation surrounding a move to Celtic, which was sparked by former defender Charlie Mulgrew, who claimed last month that McGinn is desperate to play for the Hoops.

The 31-year-old was born in Glasgow, but he has never played professionally in the city proper as he came through the youth academy of nearby St. Mirren before moving to Hibs and then to Villa.

McGinn ‘would love to play for Celtic’

“Listen, John McGinn would’ve loved to have gone to Celtic,” Mulgrew said on talkSPORT in October. I know John McGinn personally, his whole family are Celtic fans, but it just didn’t happen for whatever reason.

“I think it’s definitely going to be in his head [to sign for Celtic]. When you’re brought up in Glasgow, the only teams that you see are Celtic and Rangers – and for you, that’s the pinnacle of football.

“I’d picture myself growing up in the streets of Glasgow, picturing myself scoring against Rangers, that was my dream. That was the top of the world of football for me.

“Because that was all I had seen. I know now that there’s bigger games, but to then eventually score against Rangers and feel that, I know John McGinn will be desperate to do that. Whether that happens or not, I just don’t know.”

Football transfer news headlines today

Thank you, Erling Haaland – a genuine talent in a world of average ones

Why did Liverpool fans boo Trent? Carragher cuts through media noise and reveals the truth

Arsenal target wantaway Real Madrid attacker as Vini Jr drama takes new twist

Arne Slot sacrifices Isak to save Wirtz’s Liverpool career

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store