Everton revive interest in Aston Villa captain John McGinn as Moyes targets midfield reinforcement

Key facts

• John McGinn has been Aston Villa captain since 2022 and his contract runs until 2028.
• McGinn has played over 30 league appearances in each of the past five seasons and is on track for a sixth.
• Everton previously attempted to sign McGinn in the summer of 2024 but failed to secure a deal.
• David Moyes has transformed Everton into a team competing for European qualification.
• Everton's 2025 summer window brought in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish among others.
• McGinn can play as a central midfielder, full-back, or winger.

Moyes plots summer rebuild with veteran target

Everton are preparing to reignite their pursuit of Aston Villa captain John McGinn when the summer transfer window opens, according to sources close to the club. The 31-year-old Scottish midfielder was a target last year but a move failed to materialise; now manager David Moyes has placed him back on the shortlist as he continues to reshape his squad. McGinn has been a cornerstone at Villa Park since joining in 2018, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in his debut season. He assumed the captaincy in 2022 and has remained a consistent performer, with his current deal running through 2028.

Everton's upward trajectory under Moyes

Moyes has engineered a dramatic turnaround at Goodison Park, transforming a side that flirted with relegation into one chasing European qualification. The Toffees enjoyed a productive summer window in 2025, bringing in key figures such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish, and the manager is eager to build on that momentum. However, the squad overhaul is far from complete. With the club now competing on multiple fronts, Moyes sees the need for additional depth and experience in midfield — a gap McGinn could fill.

McGinn's enduring quality and versatility

Despite turning 31, McGinn shows no signs of decline. He is on course to record over 30 league appearances for the sixth consecutive season, underscoring his durability and importance to Villa. Primarily a central midfielder, the Scottish international has also proven effective as a full-back and winger, offering tactical flexibility. His leadership, honed as Villa captain, and his familiarity with the Premier League make him an attractive option for a side aiming to solidify its place in the upper half of the table.

Previous interest and lingering obstacles

Everton first pursued McGinn in the summer of 2024 but were unable to complete a deal. The reasons for the collapse remain unclear, though Villa's reluctance to part with their captain and the player's long contract likely played a role. With McGinn now 31 and Villa potentially open to a sale as they refresh their own squad, the Toffees see a renewed opportunity. Aston Villa have not indicated a willingness to sell, and McGinn's contract length gives them significant leverage. Any bid would likely need to be substantial to persuade the Midlands club to part with their skipper.

Competing priorities and other targets

McGinn is not Everton's only target. The club are also monitoring 21-year-old Leicester City midfielder Jordan James following Leicester's relegation to League One, while defensive reinforcements are being explored — Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti is reportedly attracting interest from up to five clubs, including Everton. Moyes must balance multiple positional needs, but the pursuit of McGinn signals a desire for proven Premier League quality to complement younger prospects.

What a McGinn move would mean for both clubs

For Everton, acquiring McGinn would add a battle-tested leader to a midfield that has relied heavily on the creativity of Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall. His versatility would allow Moyes to rotate formations without sacrificing stability. For Aston Villa, losing their captain would be a symbolic blow, but it could free up wages and generate funds for their own summer business. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Toffees can finally land the midfielder who has eluded them once before. With European football potentially on the line, Moyes may view this as a deal worth pushing hard for.

The bottom line

• Everton have revived their interest in John McGinn after failing to sign him in 2024.
• McGinn, 31, remains a key player for Aston Villa with a contract until 2028.
• David Moyes has turned Everton into European contenders and seeks to deepen his squad.
• McGinn's versatility — central midfield, full-back, winger — offers tactical options.
• Everton face competition for other targets including Jordan James and Federico Gatti.
• Aston Villa hold strong negotiating position due to McGinn's captaincy and long contract.