Emiliano Martinez was an emotional figure during Aston Villa’s win over Tottenham has exit talk continues to intensify
While most of the squad celebrated the club’s 19th win of the league season and a crucial triumph in the race for European qualification, Martinez was a subdued figure, he stood alone in the penalty area and began to weep before going over to the fans to drink in every moment of the post-match Villa Park atmosphere.
It appeared to suggest on the club’s final home game of the campaign that he was leaving for pastures new after five wonderful seasons in the West Midlands.
"We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don't know,” said Unai Emery, who refused to rule out Martinez’s departure.
"We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field."
Aston Villa told perfect Emiliano Martinez replacement
Kelleher has just one season remaining on his contract at Anfield and is expected to drop down to first choice behind both Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili once he returns from Valencia.
The Republic of Ireland international has made 67 appearances throughout his Liverpool career and is widely regarded as one of the best backup goalkeepers in the league.
He has experience in cup finals, Champions League and is viewed as one of his nation’s best shot-stoppers. He’s reported to be keen to leave Liverpool to get first team football and has reportedly been told by Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson to leave Anfield and get first team football elsewhere.
Liverpool World understand Kelleher is reluctant to sign a contract extension with Arne Slot’s side and claims Chelsea, Newcastle United and Bournemouth are watching the situation closely.
What next for Emiliano Martinez?
Emiliano Martinez, a two-time winner of the Best Fifa Men's Goalkeeper award, has played 211 times for Villa since a 2020 move from Arsenal. He’s widely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers on the planet and has been pivotal to Unai Emery’s recent success.
The 51-time international signed a contract extension taking him until 2029 last summer but has recently been linked with a move away with a number of Saudi Pro League clubs showing interest.
Villa are thought to be in a position that will force them to sell at least one big name player in the summer and it’s suspected Martinez could be that player.
Fabrizio Romano said on X: “Martínez, emotional, as this could be his last appearance at Aston Villa — not sure yet but a possibility ahead of summer window. Understand Saudi Pro League clubs have approached Martínez in the recent weeks.”
Quite what happens in the coming weeks or months remains to be seen, and it could well rest on whether Villa can secure their status in the Champions League.
While Martinez’ emotional farewell does suggest he’s on the way out, there could still be a way back for him, as we saw with Martin Dubravka at Newcastle, who ultimately signed an extension just weeks after appearing to say goodbye to supporters in a game against Arsenal.
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