Aston Villa captain John McGinn appeared to make a dig at football’s financial rules after the club confirmed the £39m sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle.
Ramsey had been at Villa since the age of six but the club’s financial position with regards UEFA spending rules meant his sale, as an academy graduate, was necessary.
The deal includes a further £4m in add-ons, with the midfielder becoming Newcastle’s fourth summer signing after signing a long-term deal.
McGinn offered a tribute to Ramsey on social media, but concluded his message with a swipe at how the sale of homegrown players has become common in the game to help club’s to comply with football’s financial rules.
‘Always humble, respectful and willing to learn. It’s been a privilege to share the dressing room with you and enjoy some special moments together on the pitch,’ McGinn wrote.
‘A sad day losing a top player and person and one of our own but it seems to be the way football is set up these days!’
Newcastle have confirmed the signing of Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa in a £39m deal
Aston Villa captain John McGinn took a swipe at football financial rules leading to Ramsey’s exit
Ramsey had been at Villa since the age of six but the club’s financial position meant his departure was always likely
After his move was confirmed, the day after Newcastle’s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa, Ramsey told Newcastle’s website: ‘I’m delighted to be here. It’s been a mad two or three days, but I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
‘This is a big move for me, but as soon as I knew the gaffer was interested and really liked me, it didn’t take much time to decide. His track record of developing players, especially those who have gone on to become internationals here, speaks for itself.
‘It was always a tough game playing for Villa against Newcastle – the team is full of energy, so athletic and the fans are so passionate. I feel my game will suit that and I’m excited to be on the other end of it now.’
Ramsey also paid farewell to Villa fans in a lengthy post on Instagram.
He wrote: ‘It’s impossible to put into words what playing for Aston Villa has meant to me. From being a young fan in the Holte End to living my dream and scoring in front of it.
‘This club has been an extended family to me, and I’ve got memories for life – from making my Premier League debut, experiencing Champions League nights back at Villa Park and scoring my first goals in those competitions.
‘To everyone at Aston Villa, both at the academy and in the first team, thank you for your support, belief and guidance. You’ve helped me become the person and player I am today. I’ve played with some of the best & made friends for life.
‘And finally to the fans – thank you for the love and backing. To represent you, as a boy from Birmingham, has been an absolute honour.’
‘Onto the next chapter now, but wish you all nothing but the best in the future. Thank you for everything!!’
Ramsey progressed through Villa’s academy before making his senior debut in 2019.
He went on to make 167 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 17 goals.
