Stoke City and West Brom have entered the competition alongside Norwich, Ipswich, and Celtic to acquire a midfielder.
Stoke City and West Brom aren’t the only Championship clubs showing interest in the 17-year-old. Just this week, the Daily Record mentioned that Norwich City, Ipswich City, and Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic are also keeping an eye on the midfielder.
The teenager is already making waves in Scotland. Ipswich had even extended an invitation for a two-week trial before his transfer to Queen’s Park, and they are reportedly still monitoring him closely for a possible summer transfer.
However, recent reports suggest that Stoke and West Brom have surged to the forefront of the race for the Scotland U17 international. They view him as a budding star with the potential to feature prominently in first-team football in the future.
Aiden McGinlay has impressed for Queen’s Park this season
The 17-year-old transitioned from Partick Thistle to Queen’s Park earlier this season, though he hasn’t made his debut for the Scottish Championship side’s first team yet. Despite this, his performances in youth competitions have sparked interest from potential suitors.
Considered the brightest prospect in Queen’s Park’s academy, he has impressed for both the Under-18 team and the B team, garnering significant acclaim. While Queen’s Park aims to secure him with a professional contract for stability, they are prepared for interest from other clubs.
Since he hasn’t formalized a professional agreement at Queen’s Park, the club could only ask for a nominal compensation fee due to his short tenure. With his potential availability for a modest fee, it’s understandable why several Championship clubs and Celtic are monitoring McGinlay for a possible move this summer.
Stoke City and West Brom face stiff competition for Aiden McGinlay
Despite reportedly leading the race for Aiden McGinlay’s signature, both Stoke and West Brom will encounter tough competition this summer in finalizing a deal. Ipswich’s recent promotion to the Premier League could make them a more enticing option for the youngster, especially considering his previous trial at Portman Road, potentially giving them an edge.
Furthermore, Celtic’s interest adds another layer of challenge for the English clubs. As one of Scotland’s most prominent clubs, a move to Celtic Park would allow McGinlay to remain in Scotland, which might align with his preferences.
While West Brom’s division for next season is uncertain pending the playoffs, Stoke’s status as a Championship side may give them an advantage in offering McGinlay a quicker path to first-team football.
| Championship Table 2023-24 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Club | P | GD | Pts |
| 15th | Watford | 46 | 0 | 56 |
| 16th | Sunderland | 46 | -2 | 56 |
| 17th | Stoke City | 46 | -11 | 56 |
| 18th | QPR | 46 | -11 | 56 |
| 19th | Blackburn Rovers | 46 | -14 | 63 |
Given the lower quality and depth in the squad, McGinlay is more inclined to secure his debut in the first team at a Championship club rather than at a Premier League team. This is a factor that he and his representatives will likely take into account, potentially favoring a move to Stoke or West Brom in the event they don’t achieve promotion.
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