John McGinn has backed Aston Villa to embrace another period of transition, insisting the club's reputation for helping players rediscover their best form will continue under Unai Emery.
With three new signings already secured and several key figures heading for the exit, Villa's captain is confident the squad's core can guide the newcomers through a season of high expectations.
Villa's summer reshaping: Who's in and who's out
Aston Villa have been active in the transfer market this summer. The club has confirmed three arrivals so far:
- Johan Manzambi
- Joao Gomes, who joins after suffering relegation to the Championship with Wolves
- Alejandro Garnacho, on loan with a conditional obligation to buy
Meanwhile, the departures have been significant:
- Morgan Rogers has left the club
- Youri Tielemans has also moved on
- Lucas Digne is expected to join Paris Saint-Germain
Tielemans, in particular, had been a key figure under Emery before his exit. His departure follows a pattern seen with Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, both of whom rediscovered their form and their love for the game during their time at Villa Park.
McGinn: The core remains strong
Speaking to Villa TV, McGinn stressed that despite the comings and goings, the club's identity remains unchanged.
"We had a great season, but we want to build on it and take this club on again," McGinn said.
"There's obviously a lot of change, but what's here is what's been here in the last few years - a core. It's up to us to tell the new players what it takes to play for Aston Villa and to be successful," he added.
McGinn then referenced Villa's consistent ability to revive faltering careers.
"Over the past few seasons, Aston Villa has been a place where people come low on confidence, or maybe not in form, and find their best. Hopefully, that's the same again this year."
Gomes and Garnacho: Next in line for revival?
Gomes arrives from a relegated Wolves squad, giving Emery another opportunity to rebuild a player's confidence at the top level. Garnacho, meanwhile, will hope to replicate the success of Rashford and Asensio, both of whom flourished under the Spaniard's guidance.
With the Europa League trophy secured last season, the pressure will be on the new recruits to help Villa push even higher in both domestic and European competition.
Pre-season focus: Minutes over results
The Villa squad is currently on a pre-season tour, with a match against Indonesian All Stars scheduled. McGinn explained that the priority is building fitness and sharpness, not the scoreline.
"For us, the results aren't important [in pre-season]. It's about getting minutes, playing with each other, and getting used to the manager's style of play," he said.
He also acknowledged the opposition's motivation while asserting Villa's high standards.
"The Indonesian All Stars team will be very motivated to prove that they can compete with a Premier League team. We want to make sure that we prove why we are the Premier League team," McGinn added.
Expanding Villa's global reach
Beyond the on-pitch preparations, McGinn highlighted the importance of taking Villa to new audiences.
"We are growing the fanbase around the world, and we want to grow that further, seeing fans over here that can't make it to Birmingham," he said.
With a blend of experienced core players and new faces, McGinn's confidence suggests the dressing room is ready for the challenges ahead, no matter how many familiar faces walk out the door.
