John McGinn last summer refused to wait on Celtic, and instead chose Aston Villa.
Now, however, he must be having some serious regrets regarding that decision.
Yes, Celtic failed to meet Hibernian’s valuation for McGinn before the start of the season. The Hoops had several offers rejected that went as high as £2million. But once Villa came in with a bid close to £3million – the valuation Hibs wanted – the offer was accepted and down McGinn went.
There was nobody to blame here other than Celtic. They messed about with the deal, and their own arrogance cost them a highly-talented midfielder.
But McGinn couldn’t have gotten down to Villa Park fast enough. And instead of waiting on Celtic finally reaching Hibs’ valuation, which they probably would’ve done, he was signing a four-year deal with the Championship side.
But the move is proving to go sour when you look at Villa’s recent form.
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Sure, nothing McGinn has done individually has been a disappointment. He’s one of the best players down there on a weekly-basis, and has really made a name for himself.
Failing to ignite an under-performing side
Unfortunately, it looks like he’s joined the wrong calibre of side. Vllla suffered yet another embarrassment as they were mauled 3-0 by Wigan Athletic yesterday. That defeat marks their second 3-0 loss in-a-row, and extends a run of just one win in eight games.
Villa are now five points off the playoff positions in the Championship. Currently sitting 12th, their chances of promotion are looking weaker and weaker as confidence drains from Villa Park on a weekly-basis.
McGinn has suddenly found himself stuck in with a bunch of under-performers. Despite not being up to par in the last two or three games himself, the former Hibs star isn’t helped by what’s around him.
Meanwhile, Celtic have already wrapped up the Betfred Cup and lead the way in the Scottish Premiership. The Hoops may have lost the recent Glasgow derby, but are still on course for a famous treble-treble. Added to that, a mouth-watering clash awaits against Valencia in the Europa League last-32.
McGinn could’ve been right in the middle of that. Instead, he’s floating about in Championship obscurity.
Again, Celtic’s failure to do a deal with Hibs was the main reason as to why they didn’t get their man. McGinn, however, simply had to wait if he wanted it hard enough.
His loss, however, is Ryan Christie’s gain.