The latest on Emiliano Martinez’s future, with a major update involving Manchester United.
Emiliano Martinez has shifted one step closer to leaving Aston Villa after communicating his preferences to a host of interested clubs.
Heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park since well before the transfer window opened, Martinez could finally see his future decided in the coming days. The World Cup-winning goalkeeper, despite being a key player, is seen as one of Villa’s most saleable assets as there are several replacements available on the market for a fraction of the price.
Villa’s fragile financial situation is coming to a head as the club are still yet to make any sales since the start of the transfer window. To comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), Villa need to raise around £50 million before the deadline on June 30 but are still a long way from achieving that.
Martinez has always been one of the likeliest to be sacrificed as his sale could generate the majority of the funds needed. Out-of-sorts winger Leon Bailey is another and the pair both looked emotional during Villa’s final two matches of the 2024/25 season, seemingly aware of their pending departures.
Man United boosted in Emi Martinez pursuit
When Martinez was first linked with a move away from Villa, it seemed inevitable that he would end up at a Saudi Pro League club as several were interested and they were willing to pay the big bucks to land his signature. Nothing has progressed, however, and Martinez has now put an end to that particular speculation.
The Athletic reports the Villa goalkeeper has told Saudi clubs that he isn’t interested in a move to the Middle East. Instead, Martinez wants to remain in one of Europe’s top leagues. Manchester United, who are said to have been in touch with Martinez’s representatives since the turn of the year, are one of his preferred destinations.
Man Utd hold a strong interest in Martinez but will only make an official approach if they sell their current goalkeeper. It could all hinge on Andre Onana’s situation, then, with the Cameroon international’s future also in doubt as it stands.
Should Villa really sell Martinez?
As much as Martinez will be missed if he’s sold, the 32-year-old didn’t hit his usual heights last campaign and he made far more mistakes than you’d expect. The two-time Yashin Trophy winner is valued at around £40 million - as per talkSPORT - and Villa believe those funds would be more valuable than his presence given the precarious PSR situation.
If it wasn’t for PSR, Martinez’s sale would still need to be considered as Villa are currently on track to fail to meet a different set of financial regulations – UEFA’s squad cost rules (SCR). Under that jurisdiction, teams in the Europa League are not allowed to spend more than 70 per cent of revenue on player costs. Villa are expected to fail in that regard.
As Martinez is one of the club’s highest earners, his sale would not only be handy for PSR but also for SCR. And, with the likes of Mike Maignan and Lucas Chevalier available on the market as potential replacements, it makes good sense to sanction a sale sooner rather than later.
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