Brendan Rodgers shares how close Celtic really were to signing Aston Villa hero John McGinn

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The John McGinn to Celtic story is one that has been talked about for years.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers tried to sign McGinn back in 2018 in his first spell at Celtic but the Scotland international chose to move to Aston Villa who, at that time, were in the English Championship.

McGinn led Villa to promotion from England’s second tier to the Premier League and now captain of the club, the Aston Villa star could face Celtic in tonight’s final Champions League group stage tie.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s big Champions League game tie at Villa Park, Brendan Rodgers talked up McGinn and revealed how close Celtic were to signing him back then.

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Brendan Rodgers was ‘very keen’ on signing John McGinn before Aston Villa move

The Celtic manager was asked about McGinn’s progress at Villa by a journalist and Rodgers shared how ‘keen’ he was in trying to sign the former Hibs man.

Rodgers told the assembled press conference, “I was very keen on taking John to Celtic. But listen, the move has worked out brilliantly for him.

“Obviously, he joined Steve [Bruce] at the time and they were in the Championship, but he was coming to a massive club, a great club, and they then got themselves out of the Championship and he’s really thrived in the environment here. So, pleased for him.”

Celtic move ‘was nearly there’ for Aston Villa hero John McGinn

And on how close the deal was to buy McGinn was, Rodgers said, “The Celtic move was nearly there.”

“But he’s come down to England and he’s been absolutely brilliant for Aston Villa.

“So I see he’s just back fit so he may play a part in the game tomorrow. But now he’s been a real instrumental player from what I see on the pitch and obviously, off the pitch he is getting strong character and I’m sure he’s really influenced the club.”

McGinn is just five games off from making his 500th appearance for Aston Villa as he edges ever closer to legendary status at the club.

The Celtic-supporting Scotland star, at just 30, McGinn could still realise his ambition to play for Celtic. With his contract expiring at the Villains in 2027, Celtic should be keeping a close eye on whether or not he signs a new deal at the club.