Emi Martinez dream move to Manchester United has collapsed in dramatic fashion. The Aston Villa goalkeeper, who had agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, prepared for a deadline-day switch before a late twist forced United to look elsewhere. What began as a promising deal ended in frustration for the World Cup winner, leaving him to reset both at Villa and with Argentina duty.
Transfer Collapse: From Excitement to Disappointment
United’s original plan involved a swap deal with Jadon Sancho, but the forward refused a permanent move to Villa, demanding only a loan. That decision effectively killed Martinez’s hopes of joining United. Reports suggest the 32-year-old was “disappointed” after learning the deal had broken down, having been drawn to the idea of playing at Old Trafford.
United instead signed Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for around £18–21 million, reflecting INEOS’s revamped recruitment strategy—focused on young, analytical, and cost-effective signings rather than expensive, established stars. Since taking control, the club have avoided signings over 26, and Martinez’s £200k weekly wages and £40m valuation made him a costly option.
🚨🟣🔵 Aston Villa are happy to continue with Emi Martínez this season as NO exit is expected after Man United deal off.
Martínez not keen on Turkish league move and prepared to stay at Villa.
Man United opened talks but never sent an official bid. pic.twitter.com/jbtvL7FRGI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 2, 2025
Villa Fallout and Player Response
Martinez was briefly absent from Villa’s matchday squads, with Unai Emery deflecting questions by mentioning only “Marco Bizot.” The Argentine, however, has since responded positively. On Instagram, he shared photos in Argentina training captioned “Feliz,” meaning happy, which drew support from United defender Lisandro Martinez. Villa fans remain divided, but the keeper looks set to stay unless a fresh suitor comes forward. Galatasaray expressed interest, but Emi Martinez wasn’t partial to the idea.
Author’s Opinion
Emi Martinez must have felt excited at the thought of pulling on a United shirt, but football’s transfer market is ruthless. United’s strategy made sense, yet the collapse leaves Martinez in an awkward position. For Villa, keeping a proven World Cup-winning goalkeeper may prove a blessing in disguise.