There was no denying that Celtic were after Hibernian FC midfielder John McGinn in the summer. However, the Hoops lost out on their man as Aston Villa signed him for £3m. He had entered in the final year of his contract with the Hibs, so it made sense for Neil Lennon to sell him in the summer.
The Hoops were the first to move in the market as they reportedly tabled at least two bids for the midfielder. Their bid of £2m was rejected, and they were told that Hibs are valuing him at £4m. Reportedly they made another attempt which was again rejected as Celtic messed about trying to get the price down and didn’t meet the Hibs valuation and that in turn, gave Villa a chance to swoop over the midfielder.
The 23-year-old had made quite a reputation for himself playing for the Hibs in the middle of the park. His tenacity and ball playing abilities were there for everyone to see as he was a crucial part of Neil Lennon’s side who did well to finish fourth last season.
Bhoys captain Scott Brown even gave an interview where he said that McGinn could be a perfect long-term replacement for him at Celtic Park. He had said,”He’s already done that with Scotland(Replacing him)! When I was John’s age, I was a totally different player to him. I just ran about smashing people. John’s got a lot more than I had at that age. I’ve matured into playing central midfield and sitting in front of the back four more.”
John’s still got that energy to go from box to box. When he has that, he might as well use it to his full ability. John is fantastic. Whatever happens, will happen. He just has to carry on with what he’s doing because that’s why clubs want to sign him. He is a top quality player.”- he added further.
All this gave a clear indication that the Bhoys would most likely get their man but it seems like for a few thousand quids (yes this is a hyperbole obviously because we have no way of knowing the exact figure), they lost the chance to sign the talented 23-year-old midfielder. Later on in the window, Rodgers had to settle for free agent Youssouf Mulumbu who was signed on a two-year contract.
Brown would be 34 by the time next season starts and one cannot expect him to perform at the top level continuously. He has shown signs that he can carry about with his business week in week out, but Rodgers would be wary of his workload. McGinn was already accustomed to the Scottish Premiership, and he had shown good signs that he would have been a big hit at Park Head. We feel Rodgers missed a massive opportunity to secure a long-term replacement for someone like Brown.
