Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 8 May 2026 10:09, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Jack Grealish waxed lyrical about Aston Villa captain John McGinn on social media after he scored twice in Thursday’s destruction of Nottingham Forest.

Unai Emery’s team won 4-0 to book their place in the Europa League final, with Ollie Watkins and Emi Buendia also on the scoresheet.

Villa will face Freiburg in Istanbul later this month for a chance to win their first major trophy since 1996 and their first European trophy in 44 years.

Grealish is currently injured and is expected to miss the remainder of the season after a foot injury he suffered in January.

Villa transfer chiefs likely assessed the conditions of a deal that would see the 30-year-old return to Villa Park last summer, but Everton ultimately won the race.

Jack Grealish lauds John ‘McGinniesta’

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Villa have put a £20million price tag on McGinn, with Everton among the sides frequently linked.

The Toffees made a move for the Scotland international last summer but were knocked back, with him signing a contract extension in November.

Everton are also expected to make their move to sign Grealish permanently from Manchester City this summer, and the pair could end up playing together.

But on the basis of Thursday’s performance, Villa would be making a huge mistake if they sold McGinn.

The midfielder’s two goals were both tremendous finishes from similar areas of the pitch, and his 100 per cent shot accuracy could have resulted in a hat-trick after he put his first chance straight at Stefan Ortega.

The 31-year-old also drew two fouls and made two recoveries, being heavily involved until he was substituted in the final minutes.

Grealish was watching the game and shared a picture of McGinn to his Instagram story captioned: “King McGinniesta, what a man”.

Aston Villa to fight to keep McGinn

Everton will have a difficult time signing McGinn if they do attempt to make a move in the summer transfer window.

The 31-year-old has two years remaining on his contract and looks certain to be back in the Champions League next season.

While Villa not wanting to sell him is one thing, the Scot will require a certain amount of convincing himself to make the move.

Everton remain within striking distance of European competition for next summer, however, which will serve as a significant transfer boost if they can secure it.