‘I’d have probably laughed’: John McGinn makes claim about three new Aston Villa signings

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John McGinn claims he would have laughed a couple of years ago if told he would end up playing alongside Leon Bailey, Danny Ings and Emiliano Buendia.

McGinn, 26, is a key central midfielder at Villa Park and he’s set to be playing alongside a host of new teammates in the 2021/22 season.

Dean Smith’s squad is now without Jack Grealish due to his £100million sale to Manchester City. However, some may argue the depth is now far greater after a productive transfer window so far.

The Midlands club have made some smart additions with the arrivals of Ashley Young (free transfer) and Axel Tuanzebe (loan). But, they’ve spent the Grealish kitty strengthening their offensive positions.

Firstly, 24-year-old rapid winger Bailey is new to the Premier League after joining Villa from Bayer Leverkusen. Secondly, creative 24-year-old playmaker Emiliano Buendia has joined from newly-promoted Premier League club Norwich City. Finally, proven 29-year-old centre-forward Ings has left Southampton for Villa.

McGinn has paid tribute to the three new signings with his comment.

“I feel we have strengthened our squad massively, signings like Leon Bailey, Danny Ings, Emi Buendia who, if you said to me two years ago they’d be my Villa teammates, I’d have probably laughed at you,” McGinn told talkSPORT.

John McGinn to remain a key Villa player despite new faces

It’s going to feel odd without Grealish to rely on, but Villa’s transfer business looks extremely astute. Bailey, Ings and Buendia are going to bring arguably more firepower to Smith’s XI.

There will understandably be a lot of attention on the new signings, but Scottish box-to-box midfielder McGinn is going to continue to be a key figure.

He’s got the ability to contribute in the final third, so it’ll be interesting to see how Smith lines up.

In other news, Report: Tottenham and West Ham want £18m-rated star in final year of contract, but rivals make bid