John McGinn sends seven-word message as Aston Villa player exit confirmed
Unai Emery is at risk of losing several assets from the current Aston Villa squad ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Much has been made about Morgan Rogers' future, and given some of the financial issues at Villa Park, his exit appears inevitable this summer.
The likes of Jadon Sancho, Harvey Elliott and Douglas Luiz have all returned to their parent clubs, leaving Emery will some holes in his team.
Villa's biggest blow of them all, though, has been losing Youri Tielemans to Manchester United for just £35million, likely being replaced by Wolves' Joao Gomes.
With Boubacar Kamara only just returning to full fitness, Amadou Onana out for 12 months, and Lamare Bogarde subpar, new midfielders are a must.
And John McGinn has made his feelings known following the latest exit at Villa Park, speaking for all supporters after Tielemans' move across the Premier League.
Youri Tielemans messages flood in after exit
The Villans were really left with no choice, given that Man United triggered the release clause in the Belgian's contract, but it is no less painful.
Taking to Instagram stories (16 July), McGinn was clearly left heartbroken by the news, bidding farewell to his former teammate ahead of 2026-27.
He wrote: "Top player, top guy. Will be missed," with a purple heart emoji over the top of an image showing one being subbed for the other at Villa Park.
Tielemans mad 134 appearances since signing on a free transfer in July 2023, notching 10 goals and 24 assists in that time.
He became integral to the way Emery's team played, including in Villa's Europa League-winning campaign last term, and he leaves some huge shoes to fill.
What does the future hold for John McGinn?
McGinn's future has also been a rather worrying talking point at Villa Park in recent weeks, despite the player's contract expiring in 2028.
Football Insider revealed back in April that Villa would accept £20m for the Scotland international, with David Moyes' Everton taking an interest.
No such move has been made for the 31-year-old, though, and Emery will breath a sigh of relief after his 17-goal-contribution season last term.
It was McGinn's best campaign in terms of numbers, and the Villans will be hoping for him to replicate his performances in 2026-27.