Emi Martinez continues to generate transfer speculation at Aston Villa, with a link to Manchester United but one former Villan said he would be surprised if the keeper ends up at the Red Devils
Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa
Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa acknowledges the fans(Image: Cameron Smith/Getty Images)
Tony Dorigo doesn't believe Emi Martinez will be wearing a Manchester United strip next season — despite speculation linking him to the club.
World Cup winning shot stopper Martinez, 32, appeared to say goodbye to the Aston Villa faithful at the end of last season which led many to believe he will be leaving.
It is believed that Unai Emery will need to generate funds from sales in the summer transfer window to comply with Uefa's squad cost ratio rules.
Martinez has been seen as an attractive target by teams from several competitions including the lucrative Saudi Pro League.
But it is speculated that Martinez is more open to playing European football and has been waiting for several offers to come in — including Premier League side United who are contemplating an upgrade to Andre Onana in between their sticks.
Tony Dorigo in action for Aston Villa during their 1-1 draw with Watford on March 25 1987.
Tony Dorigo in action for Aston Villa during their 1-1 draw with Watford on March 25 1987
Former Villa defender, Dorigo told GOAL : “I am surprised. I watched him a few times last season and what a passing range he has got, yet alone being a great goalkeeper. Just the ball that he can pass out from the back is superb.
“But you look at that Villa setup with the manager, he has got things going really well, there is a great group there, playing in Europe, doing well, so I am a little surprised.
"Maybe he thinks Manchester United will turn it around and get back into Europe. Looking at last season, that is a big ask. I think he’s a top keeper, but I would be surprised if he did go to Manchester United.”
Martinez is regarded by many as one of the best in the world and is a two-time winner of the FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper award. The former Arsenal custodian has made 212 appearances for Aston Villa since joining in 2020. He was previously linked with a potential move to Turkish champions Galatasaray and Atletico Madrid were recently reported to also be interested.
Dorigo spoke about Martinez's ability, as he added: "We kind of remember the garish things that he does. If you take that away — you can’t all the time — and look at how he performs, he is superb.
"He is the modern goalkeeper — playing out from the back, that sweeper keeper, he can do all of that and then some, being a great shot-stopper. He commands his box and I’m hard pressed to think of anyone that is better.”