JUST IN: Everton are working towards strengthening their Midfield and has now make their first approach to sign a fantastic Midfield star in transfer bid of £30m this summer
Everton are wasting no time in continuing their aggressive push to reshape the squad this summer. The Toffees have now turned their attention to strengthening their midfield, with reports confirming that they’ve made a formal approach to sign Aston Villa captain John McGinn in a deal that could rise to £30 million.
Thierno Barry Signing Kicks Off Summer Window
The Merseyside club’s transfer activity began with the unveiling of Thierno Barry earlier this week. The 21-year-old forward, signed from Reims in a deal reportedly worth £27 million, brings pace, power, and a nose for goal—qualities that Everton hope will ease the burden on injury-prone talisman Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Barry himself expressed immense excitement following his arrival at Goodison Park, telling EvertonTV:
> “I’m very happy. It’s very exciting to be here. I just can’t wait to start… Everton is a big club in the Premier League with a great history. I watched players like Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku growing up—and now I want to follow in their footsteps.”
The Frenchman added that manager David Moyes played a key role in his decision to join the club, saying the boss’s belief in his potential and vision for development convinced him Everton was the right move at this stage in his career.
Barry’s signing has already been met with optimism by the fanbase, who hope he can help fire the club up the table after a turbulent 2024/25 campaign.
Everton Set Sights on John McGinn
With their frontline bolstered, Everton are now targeting reinforcements in the middle of the park—and they’ve identified a proven Premier League operator as their next marquee target. According to a report by Football Insider’s Wayne Veysey, Everton have submitted an opening enquiry to Aston Villa for John McGinn, signalling their willingness to offer £30 million for the Scotland international.
While Aston Villa have so far rejected the approach, insisting McGinn remains an integral part of Unai Emery’s plans, there is speculation that the midfielder may be open to a fresh challenge—especially amid reported frustrations with his current role under the Spanish coach.
Despite being club captain and a long-serving player, McGinn has occasionally found himself shifted to less influential positions in Emery’s evolving system. That, coupled with Villa’s active pursuit of midfield reinforcements this summer, has fueled rumours of a potential exit.
Everton, for their part, are not discouraged by the initial knockback and remain hopeful that a deal could be struck later in the window. Their optimism hinges on Villa potentially signing a replacement, which could pave the way for negotiations to resume.
McGinn: A Proven Premier League Performer
If Everton do succeed in luring McGinn to Goodison Park, they would be securing a player with a proven Premier League pedigree and outstanding leadership qualities. Since joining Villa from Hibernian in 2018, McGinn has become one of the most respected midfielders in English football, known for his relentless work rate, combativeness, and ability to drive his team forward.
Unai Emery himself has spoken glowingly about McGinn’s influence both on and off the pitch. In a 2023 interview, the Villa boss praised his skipper, saying:
> “He is a very good example—consistent, committed, and always trying to lead by example. As a professional, he is fantastic, and as a person, I appreciate him immensely.”
McGinn’s potential arrival would bring grit and experience to Everton’s midfield, potentially forming a strong partnership with the likes of Amadou Onana and James Garner. His versatility also gives Moyes tactical flexibility, allowing him to deploy McGinn in various central or wide midfield roles.
A Window of Intent at Goodison Park
The pursuit of McGinn signals Everton’s growing ambition under Moyes, who is clearly looking to instill a stronger core in his squad. With Thierno Barry already on board and further additions expected, the blue half of Merseyside is beginning to believe in a genuine rebuild ahead of the new campaign.
While Villa may hold firm for now, Everton’s persistence and financial offer could eventually tempt them into reconsidering—especially if the player himself expresses a desire to move.
As things stand, McGinn remains a Villa player, but Everton’s intent is clear: they want leaders, they want Premier League experience, and above all—they want to climb the table.