Aston Villa are reportedly pushing to secure new contracts for John McGinn and Ollie Watkins before the summer transfer window opens.
After a disappointing start to the campaign under former boss Steven Gerrard, McGinn has shown significant improvement under Unai Emery and has been a driving force in midfield in our push for Europe.
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The 28-year-old has made 35 appearances across all competitions and has established himself as a fundamental figure in the Spaniard’s side as our captain, albeit he has not shied away from stating that he still needs to improve further despite showing great tenacity, versatility and quality to emphasise his importance.
With his current deal running until 2025, there isn’t necessarily a need to tie him down to a new contract immediately, and the same can be said of Watkins who will see his agreement expire at the same time.
The Villa forward has been excellent since Emery took charge, and has 15 goals and six assists in 39 outings this season, with most of his goal involvements coming after the coaching change as he has thrived on the responsibility of leading our line.
Albeit he has been in a rut in recent weeks, he continues to make a vital contribution on and off the ball, and he has shown he’s deserving of a new deal and will be a key figure in Emery’s long-term plans.
According to The Telegraph, the Villa duo are set to be handed new long-term and improved contracts by the club as a reward for their form this season, and we want to get those secured before the transfer window opens next month.
With the long-term futures of several other key pieces in the squad already secured, this would be another important double piece of business from Villa to keep our core together, and to build around them and improve us with Emery looking to bring in his reinforcements this summer to help us get to the next level.
Nevertheless, we’ve seen a number of club stalwarts look reenergised and at their best under the Spanish tactician to prove that they should be part of the vision moving forward, and with McGinn and Watkins both as important as ever for us, it’s hoped that the new deals can be agreed soon, and that in turn allows us to have our full focus on new signings.