According to the latest reports from the Sun, Manchester United are set to bid for Aston Villa’s midfield talent John McGinn. However, the Villans are planning to play the villains as they have slapped a £50m price tag on the Scottish international.
The impact of McGinn
Last season was McGinn’s first season in England after Aston Villa signed him for a bargain £2.75m from Scottish club Hibernian FC. The 24-year-old settled in at the club like fish takes to water and immediately became one of the fan favourites. Not only did he play a huge role in getting the Lions to the Premier League but McGinn also went on to win the Players’ player of the season and even the fans’ player of the season awards. All this in his first season in England makes it a dream season for the Scotsman.
Playing in a box to box role, McGinn contributed with nine goals and 12 assists. More than his attacking returns, it was his work rate in the middle of the park that was appreciated by fans. His tenacity and perseverance even saw him score a goal in the playoff final and that too through a header when the goalkeeper was rushing in. A 5ft 6inches McGinn got to the ball first to head in on goal.
Villa are said to be keen on offering McGinn a new, improved contract, and everyone would agree that the 24-year-old earned it after his performances last season.
Is £50m a realistic price tag?
With every passing day in this transfer window, some figures which are being quoted are getting a bit out of hand. We think United won’t have to pay £50m to land McGinn but its Aston Villa’s way to say jog on and look for other signings.
We believe the midfielder’s real value should be somewhere between £25-30m. Moreover, McGinn is yet to be tested at the Premier League level. Villa stands a chance of making a massive profit on McGinn if Manchester United even come in with a bid of £25m; half of Villa’s actual valuation of the player.
What should be Smith’s play?
Dean Smith would be keen to hold his key men, and no one was more important than McGinn in midfield last season. However, Manchester United’s financial power cannot be ignored, and they have it in them to lure Villa’s star players. Smith should definitely play hardball with United, but if an offer comes within the range of £25-30m, then we believe it could be a bit too tough for the manager to ignore.
