Aston Villa seal the signing of Hibernian midfielder John McGinn

Scotland international John McGinn became Aston Villa’s fourth signing of the summer.

Amidst fierce competition from Scotland giants Celtic FC, Aston Villa won the services of Scotland international and Hibs midfielder John McGinn. The 23-year old penned a four-year contract with the claret and blue.

McGinn’s arrival, the fourth of this summer’s transfer window, brings reinforcement to Villa’s midfield ranks.

McGinn, a central midfielder, will compete with Jack Grealish, Conor Hourihane, Henri Lansbury, and Birkir Bjarnason in the middle of the pitch. Though not a tall, imposing presence, McGinn has some experience in the No. 6 role as well, where he could see time with Axel Tuanzebe, Glenn Whelan and aforementioned Bjarnason.

An interesting side note: McGinn has two brothers that both play for St. Mirren FC. The club finished 1st in the Scottish Championship last season, thus securing promotion to the Scottish Premiership. John McGinn’s move to Aston Villa means the brothers will not face each other, up north, in league play.

McGinn’s signing was expected to be a double announcement on Wednesday. But Joe Bryan’s arrival to Villa Park has been all but cancelled after Fulham hi-jacked the signing for their own. The Bristol City left back was reported to have completed a medical with Villa and had personal terms agreed. The contract, however, apparently wasn’t signed and Fulham took the initiative. The Cottagers now have a scary left-side attack for their return to the Premier League. Ryan Sessegnon, André Schürrle and Joe Bryan will compete for the left midfield and left back positions.

After McGinn’s arrival, Aston Villa are slowly closing-in on their transfer business. A new left back should be targeted as should one more wing/centre-forward option. It’s conceivable Villa could have all their incoming business done in one week’s time.