John McGinn Reveals the Scottish Premiership Club He Dreams of Playing for Before Retirement — His Reasons Have Fans Clashing Online

Fresh from Scotland’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Aston Villa captain John McGinn has sparked a heated debate among football fans after opening up about where he would love to finish his playing career.

The 31-year-old midfielder, who has become one of Aston Villa’s most influential figures over the past several seasons while also serving as a leader for the Scottish national team, was reflecting on his future during a recent interview. With two years still remaining on his current Aston Villa contract, McGinn was asked whether he could ever see himself returning to the Scottish Premiership before hanging up his boots.

More specifically, the interviewer wanted to know whether either of Scotland’s two biggest clubs—Celtic F.C. or Rangers F.C.—could realistically become his next destination when his time in England eventually comes to an end.

Rather than dismissing the idea, McGinn admitted it is something that has crossed his mind on several occasions.

“Right now, my focus is completely on Aston Villa. I’ve still got plenty I want to achieve here, and I’m fully committed to the club. But I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought about finishing my career back in Scotland. It’s where everything started for me, and that idea has always been in the back of my mind,” McGinn explained.

The Aston Villa captain made it clear that his immediate focus remains entirely on his current club. Having helped establish Villa as one of England’s most competitive sides, he stressed that his commitment has not changed and that he still has ambitions to achieve more in claret and blue before thinking seriously about the next chapter of his career.

However, he also acknowledged that the thought of returning home to Scotland before retirement carries a special emotional appeal.

McGinn explained that Scotland is where his football story began, making it only natural that he occasionally imagines ending his career there as well. From his breakthrough at St Mirren F.C., to developing further with Hibernian F.C., before earning his move to Aston Villa, every important step of his journey has shaped the player he is today.

For that reason, he admitted the idea of returning home for the final years of his career is one that remains close to his heart.

While McGinn insisted he has no concrete plans and that football can change very quickly, he said he would certainly be open to joining one of Scotland’s traditional giants if the opportunity ever presented itself.

He suggested that if either Celtic or Rangers came calling at the appropriate stage of his career, he would gladly listen and would seriously consider making the move.

When pressed on which club he would choose if he had complete freedom to decide, McGinn admitted that he would lean slightly towards Celtic.

His Response…

“If the opportunity ever came from either Celtic or Rangers at the right stage of my career, I’d definitely consider it because they’re two massive football clubs. If I had to choose, I’d probably lean slightly towards Celtic because of their history and what they’ve consistently achieved. But it’s only a slight preference—I have huge respect for Rangers and everything they represent. I certainly wouldn’t want anyone to think it’s a sign of disrespect,” he said.

His reasoning was measured rather than controversial. According to McGinn, Celtic’s remarkable history, sustained success and ability to compete consistently at the highest level in Scottish football give them a slight edge in his personal opinion. He emphasized that his preference is marginal and should not be interpreted as disrespect toward Rangers, a club he acknowledged has its own proud traditions, enormous support and outstanding legacy.

That careful explanation did little to prevent supporters from turning the comments into one of the biggest talking points on social media.

Within hours of the interview circulating online, football fans across Scotland and England began passionately debating McGinn’s remarks.

Many Celtic supporters welcomed his comments, arguing that a player of his experience, leadership and quality would be a dream signing should he eventually return north of the border.

Others praised the midfielder for speaking honestly while remaining respectful toward Rangers, noting that he made every effort to acknowledge both clubs instead of creating unnecessary rivalry.

On the other side, some Rangers supporters questioned why McGinn would favour Celtic despite insisting he respects both Glasgow giants equally. Others suggested that football has a habit of producing unexpected twists and that no one should rule out the possibility of him wearing blue should circumstances change in the future.

Neutral supporters also joined the discussion, with many pointing out that McGinn’s comments reflected more of a sentimental ambition than an imminent transfer plan.

After all, the Scotland international remains one of Aston Villa’s most important players and still has plenty to offer in the Premier League.

Since arriving from Hibernian in 2018, McGinn has transformed into one of Villa’s modern-day icons. He played a crucial role in helping the club earn promotion to the Premier League before becoming captain and leading the team through one of the most successful periods in recent history.

His energetic style, commitment and leadership have made him a favourite among Villa supporters, making any discussion about leaving feel premature.

With two years still remaining on his current contract, there is little indication that McGinn is preparing for an immediate departure.

Instead, his comments appeared to be more about reflecting on the long-term future than hinting at an upcoming move.

For many footballers, finishing their careers close to home carries emotional significance, and McGinn seems no different. The chance to return to Scotland, where his professional journey first began, clearly remains an appealing possibility should the timing eventually feel right.

Whether that day arrives in Celtic green, Rangers blue or elsewhere remains impossible to predict.

For now, Aston Villa continue to enjoy the services of one of their most respected leaders, while McGinn remains fully focused on helping the club achieve its ambitions.

Still, his admission that he dreams of returning to the Scottish Premiership one day—and that Celtic would narrowly be his preferred destination if given the choice—has ensured that supporters from both sides of Glasgow’s famous rivalry will continue debating his future for quite some time.