One of Celtic’s biggest transfer regrets in recent times has to be their failure to sign John McGinn even when it looked like a move was there on the table. They were reluctant to meet the transfer fee that Hibernian were looking for to let the midfielder go and it allowed Aston Villa to swoop in and sign him. In hindsight, that was one of the biggest mistakes that the Hoops have made in recent memory.
McGinn has gone to be an absolute revelation at Aston Villa and has been linked with a move to one of the Premier League’s Big Six on multiple occasions already. And still just 27 years of age, it would not be a surprise if he does eventually get a big transfer.
McGinn, whose grandfather is a former Celtic chairman, was viewed by many as the long-term successor to Scott Brown at Parkhead. But unfortunately, the club could not get the deal over the line. It is believed that the Hoops had made three offers, all of which were turned down by Hibernian.
McGinn has made no secret of his love for Celtic though. In a video tweeted out by Football on BT Sport, when asked about his favourite player growing up, the Aston Villa star replied:
"“Henrik Larsson.”"
When asked whether he was a Celtic fan, he said:
"“Yeah.”"
McGinn makes Celtic admission despite failed move
From what we have seen from McGinn till now, both for Aston Villa and at the international level with Scotland, it is safe to say that he would have been a tremendous signing for Celtic.
What is done is done though and the only thing we can do at this stage is look forward. At this point of time, it feels unlikely that Celtic would be able to sign McGinn anytime soon.
Never say never in football though and it remains to be seen if we do get to see him pull on the Hoops in the future.