Emiliano Martínez is once again being linked with Manchester United and this time, the speculation feels more deliberate than coincidental. The Argentine shot-stopper, a World Cup hero in Qatar and a cornerstone at Aston Villa, has been on United’s radar for months. In early June, TyC Sports via X revealed that the Red Devils had already made contact with the player’s camp, and now, despite renewed interest from Galatasaray, the Argentine media outlet maintains that Martínez remains firmly in United’s orbit. This isn’t mere transfer chatter there appears to be substance behind the story.
According to TyC Sports, Galatasaray made an inquiry about signing Martínez following the departure of club legend Fernando Muslera. But Argentine sources insist a move to Turkey is highly unlikely. Meanwhile, Bolavip adds that Aston Villa may be open to a sale, driven by financial fair play pressures, but the player himself has no interest in the Turkish Super Lig. At 32, Martínez is waiting and hoping, for Manchester United to make their move. Yet the club has yet to act formally, with André Onana still under contract and no sale in sight.
For Martínez, motivation is clear: he wants to remain at the highest level, not just for club ambitions but as preparation for the 2026 World Cup. While United won’t be playing in Europe next season, the Premier League remains a desirable platform. That said, a crucial question lingers: should Manchester United truly consider changing goalkeepers again?
Emiliano Martínez in action for Aston Villa, with speculation swirling about a potential move to Manchester United.
When comparing recent performances, the contrast is evident. André Onana endured a turbulent season, marked by costly errors and a lack of consistent composure in goal. His struggles in key moments have raised questions about his long-term reliability. Emiliano Martínez, on the other hand, has demonstrated sustained excellence over several seasons. He not only performs when it matters most but brings something more, character, leadership, and a commanding presence. His influence extends beyond shot-stopping; he stabilises defences through sheer authority. It’s not just his World Cup triumph that defines him, it’s the respect he commands, even when he’s not in the spotlight.
Manchester United, however, are not placing all their hopes on one target. The club is also tracking Marcin Bulka, the 25-year-old goalkeeper currently at Nice, as they explore multiple options to strengthen a position that has become increasingly uncertain.
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However, there’s another key factor to consider: the cost. Signing Emiliano Martínez would not come cheap, and without offloading André Onana first, committing to another high-wage goalkeeper would be financially unwise. This is precisely where United’s hesitation lies. There are no concrete signs that the club is aggressively pursuing Martínez, despite persistent reports. In fact, the repeated mention of Manchester United in the Argentine media seems more like a strategic effort from the player’s camp to boost his profile and market value, rather than evidence of active negotiations.
Yet the core dilemma remains: should United cut their losses and pursue a proven, reliable performer, or continue waiting for Onana to find form? From a purely footballing perspective, Martínez appears to be the more dependable option. But financially and structurally, any move would need to be supported by a clear and justified plan. Without European competition, without recent trophies, and with multiple positions in desperate need of reinforcement, splurging on a new goalkeeper could be seen as a luxury the club can’t afford right now.
In other news, Manchester United have identified Hugo Ekitike as a prime summer target as they look to reshape their frontline with youthful energy and attacking versatility.