Emi Martinez, Unai Emery
(Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim)
Villa News Speaking to Bryan King
Mon 16 June 2025 18:10, UK
NSWE have huge decisions to make this summer as Aston Villa battle to balance the books.
The hierarchy in the West Midlands have been somewhat stunted in the transfer market by the looming PSR issues that hang over Villa, leading to plenty of speculation around Unai Emery’s most valuable squad members.
One of those players is Emiliano Martínez, who has been linked with a lucrative move away from Villa Park to offset some financial worries.
The goalkeeper has attracted interest from both rival Premier League sides and Saudi Arabia, as another club now joins the race for the 32-year-old.
Emi Martinez
Martínez has been linked with a move away from Aston Villa (Credit: Imago)
Galatasaray join race to sign Martínez
Martínez sparked exit rumours when he left the pitch in tears during Villa’s final home game of the Premier League season, with the likes of Manchester United linked with a move for the goalkeeper.
As relayed by the Express and Star (13 June), reports in Turkey claim Galatasaray have also expressed an interest in signing the World Cup winner.
Competition Appearances Goals Conceded Clean Sheets Minutes Played
Premier League 37 45 9 3,195′
UEFA Champions League 12 12 5 1,080′
FA Cup 4 4 2 360′
Martínez’s statistics across all competitions (2024/25)
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The shotstopper has been an ever-present for Villa, starting in all but seven league games since Emery arrived in the West Midlands almost three years ago.
He was awarded the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper award in 2024, while he has four years remaining on his current contract with the Claret and Blues.
Therefore, ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – has rubbished the idea of Martínez joining Galatasaray, and has emphasised that the shot-stopper’s importance to the team will instead see other outfield players sold first to combat financial issues.
“Galatasaray won’t be able to afford Martínez,” King said.
“That sounds like a made-up story to me. Martínez won’t be going to Turkey. If Villa lose him, who are they going to go and sign? Martínez still has four years left on his contract.
“If Villa need to balance the books, they’ve got other players they can sell, outfield players. Martínez would be the last player I’d sell.”
Unai Emery
Emery will hope to keep hold of Martínez (Credit: Imago)
Villa would hugely miss Martínez’s presence
Since he arrived from Arsenal in 2020, Martínez has become one of the best goalkeepers in the world and quickly achieved legendary status among the Villans.
His passion for the club and his team has seen the Argentinian shotstopper form a fervent relationship with the fanbase and become an important leader in the dressing room.
His qualities between the sticks continue to reach new heights, and should he depart this summer, he would leave a huge hole in Emery’s side which would be near-impossible to replace.
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