Manchester United will need to strengthen their goalkeeping department and World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez is on the club’s radar.
Heading into the summer, it was already being rumoured that Manchester United would likely invest in a new goalkeeper.
Now, Ineos’ hand has been forced as Andre Onana has suffered an injury which will rule him out of the pre-season tour and the start of the season.
Botafogo’s John Victor is on United’s radar, but Ruben Amorim has shown a preference to buy Premier League-proven stars this summer, and that could remain the case when it comes to a new goalkeeper.
Emiliano Martinez is keen to join United, and it seems the Red Devils are now making their move.
Emiliano Martinez plays a pass while in green Argentina goalkeeper kit.
Photo by JAVIER TORRES/AFP via Getty Images
Man United’s valuation of Emiliano Martinez this summer
It is no secret that United have a limited budget this summer, so Ineos cannot be writing blank cheques for a new goalkeeper. But the signature of a World Cup winner and two-time winner of Fifa’s Best Goalkeeper award won’t come cheap.
After reports from Argentina that United have opened talks with Martinez, it has now been made clear how much Ineos are willing to pay to make the deal happen.
According to La Nacion, United value Emiliano Martinez around £33m ($44m) this summer, which is slightly lower than Villa’s £40m demands.
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However, the two valuations are close enough for United to open negotiations and potentially find a middle ground. With Martinez wanting to make the move, it could play into United’s hands.
Emiliano Martinez does not fit Ineos’ transfer strategy
There has been a noticeable shift in United’s transfer strategy since the takeover, although fans this summer could argue there isn’t much of a strategy at all.
But all of Ineos’ signings so far have been players either before or just heading into their prime. Young stars full of potential, rather than ready-made superstars or players past their peak.
Goalkeeper is a unique position where players can peak later in their careers, but at 32 years old, it’s hard to argue that Martinez would be a long-term signing for United.
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In 2024/25, Martinez had a worse season than Andre Onana – the man he would be replacing at Old Trafford.
With a small budget to spend this summer, Ineos have bigger priorities than signing a big-name goalkeeper which could backfire.