To say that this has been one of the strangest transfer windows any club has had in recent memory would be an understatement.
Newcastle United finally answered their long-term right winger problem with the signing of Anthony Elanga. And Aaron Ramsdale has been brought in as fresh competition for Nick Pope.
But the window will long be remembered for the sheer amount of unsuccessful attempts we’ve made to sign our top targets, pipped to the post each time by a member of the ‘Big Six’ despite our Champions League status and eye watering transfer fees being offered.
And it looks like things may be about to take an even more drastic turn as the club eye up a surprise move for a certain Aston Villa captain…
Newcastle eyeing McGinn move
According to The Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle are now considering a shock bid for Aston Villa’s John McGinn, with Eddie Howe’s determined to head into the season with six midfield options.
Having sold Sean Longstaff and just lost Joe Willock to injury, Lewis Miley is the next available option should one of our starting trio become unavailable.
Though signing attacking options still looks to be the priority, with two strikers potentially needed, McGinn is said to be highly-regarded for his reliability and character: two traits Howe is known to value above all else.
Villa are in a tricky situation: though they don’t want to sell their captain, and he still has two years left on his contract, Unai Emery’s side need to raise funds quickly if they want to make any more signings in the market.
And though it’s not been the asset we had hoped it would be at the start of the window, it’s understood that our offer of Champions League football could tempt McGinn to switch Villa Park for St James’ Park.
Hope also claims that McGinn isn’t the only Villa star we’re eyeing up: on top of the pre-existing reports that Ollie Watkins could be our next striker, Jacob Ramsey is still admired.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle considering move for John McGinn
🔍 Eddie Howe wants midfield signing & Aston Villa captain high on shortlist
👇 Full story w/ @MailSport colleague Simon Jones…https://t.co/2Qa6B7avOi
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) August 6, 2025
A sensible signing – if the price is right!
Up until now, there had been a focus on bringing in younger players with potential to become either world-class or capable of being sold on for profit down the line.
But in midfield, with 18-year-old Miley our only back up to our starting trio, we need reinforcements and a reliable replacement to cover Longstaff and Willock.
Signing McGinn would not get fans off their seats, but he’s a leader, versatile, works his socks off and has bags of experience as we enter a tough season tasked with competing on four fronts.
It would also weaken a rival, although that in itself could make Villa reluctant to sell, unless the player pushes for a move to be closer to family up in Scotland.
Aye! Get the oldies in, to clog up movement and be unable to offload on big salaries.
Joseph(Quote)
*** our manager only sees epl players…Paul mitchell was right..his ideology isn’t fit for purpose
Henock ethiopia(Quote)
Doesn’t scream progress to me if true. If it’s a budget signing (not sure it would be) to enable a couple of biggies, then great. Not holding my breath though.
Peaco(Quote)
Epl proven don’t mean nothing …look at madrid, bayern, psg or city..they don’t win trophies by assembling players from their leagues fact!!!
Henock ethiopia(Quote)
I am about to losse my f mind …a manager who literally doesn’t know elite players in European game …he needs to go
Henock ethiopia(Quote)
Here we go again. The last time you turnips crawled from your rock and cried howe out we won our first trophy in 60 year. Is that not enough for you drips.
Eddie howe is the manager for us.
Shhhhhh(Quote)
Hope this is true. Always think McGinn is a top player. He would be a top class cover/competition to our already great midfield.
By the way, Idoubt how many earlier posters are really toon fans, so many very sad ppl.
Widowmaker(Quote)
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I have full faith in Eddie. I’m actually terrified he’ll leave if we down sort out our senior administration soon.
Trini Geordie(Quote)
I pray we are going off radar for recruitment now, as most of what is being touted is 💩
Joseph(Quote)
Who writes this diatribe. McGinn, too old, will cost us a fair whack and not what we want.
I’d sooner we get Mark Guehi in at all costs, at least we’ll ha e cover for Scharr and all the other aging half/centre backs.
Really, is this Click bait.
Ed(Quote)
So Bruno, Isak and Tonali were EPL players, were they?
BykerBill(Quote)
Craig hope is going to run out of players to write stories about this window 😵💫.. McGinn is a ready prem player and makes sense only if we can’t get one of the many good younger players available in other markets ..he will have little sell on value
Mike(Quote)
He’s a nasty piece of work, do I want him to be our nasty piece of work ?not sure.
Just hope we drop pursuit of Mark Guehi who has expressed a desire for Pool and would be another waste of time and energy.
kimtoon(Quote)