Aston Villa have been linked with a Barcelona star as Emiliano Martinez's future at Villa Park continues to be questioned after a transfer saga last summer
Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa
Emiliano Martinez was close to leaving Aston Villa over the summer(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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Aston Villa have reportedly opened discussions with Barcelona over a potential move for goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Emi Martinez’s future. Villa’s current No.1 had looked set to depart during the summer transfer window.
The World Cup winner was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, with Ruben Amorim eager to recruit a new goalkeeper after a costly run of errors from Andre Onana last season contributed to dropped points.
On the opening weekend of the new campaign, Villa supporters were convinced Martinez was on his way out after Unai Emery left him out of the matchday squad. Marco Bizot was handed his Premier League debut in the Argentine’s absence.
Martinez ultimately remained at Villa Park and, 16 games into the season, has fully reintegrated himself into the squad. However, his summer transfer saga appears to have left Villa uncertain about his long-term future, prompting Emery’s side to explore replacement options.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, one such option is Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen. The Germany international had been the club’s established No.1 for several years but has recently slipped down the pecking order, with Joan Garcia now occupying the starting role.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been linked with a move to Aston Villa
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been linked with a move to Aston Villa
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Barcelona attempted to move Ter Stegen on during the summer, but the goalkeeper resisted. He is now fully fit after suffering a back injury in July and, following successful surgery, completed 90 minutes in the Copa del Rey earlier this week.
Ter Stegen boasts an impressive honours list, having won six La Liga titles, one Champions League, six Copa del Rey trophies and a Club World Cup, along with several individual accolades, including La Liga Player of the Season for 2022/23.
Villa have reportedly requested information on the possibility of a transfer, including updates on Ter Stegen’s current fitness levels following his recent surgery.
At his peak, the Barcelona goalkeeper would have commanded a fee in excess of £80m, according to Transfermarkt. However, with his role uncertain under Hansi Flick and Barca keen to offload him, Villa could be looking at a deal worth closer to £6m.
A January move has not been ruled out, but Villa are more likely to retain Martinez until the summer, meaning any potential deal for Ter Stegen would likely be revisited then.
A loan move with an option to buy could appeal to Emery, though Villa are not alone in their interest. Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly monitoring the situation, with Ter Stegen under contract until 2028.
For now, Martinez continues to deliver strong performances for the Claret and Blue, producing moments of brilliance such as his save to tip Martin Odegaard’s effort over the crossbar against Arsenal.
The Argentine’s stance could change if Villa remain firmly in the title race and push for Champions League qualification, though European football does not appear to be a decisive factor, having previously been open to joining a Manchester United side without continental competition.
Now, several months on from those links to Old Trafford, Martinez is set to face Amorim’s side at Villa Park on Sunday. If results fall their way, Villa could end the weekend level at the top of the Premier League.