Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez came ‘very close’ to joining Manchester United in the summer of 2023. This was confirmed by the 32-year-old’s agent, Gonzalo Goñi, a year ago.
The agent indicated Erik ten Hag, who was then in charge, blocked the move in order to sign André Onana.
There’s been uncertainty around the 29-year-old’s position at Manchester United due to his mixed performances over the past two years. This has seen the Red Devils look at the Aston Villa star for the summer window.
That’s at least what DSports are reporting, and they say Manchester United and Barcelona are looking at Martínez.
Marc-André ter Stegen’s long-term absence due to injury forced Barca to sign Wojciech Szczęsny on a free transfer in October. The German’s fitness and uncertainty around the Pole’s future has seen the La Liga side look at the Aston Villa stopper.
Ruben Amorim’s side, as per the report, are willing to make an offer for Martínez in the upcoming window. There’s no mention of any figures or Aston Villa’s demands.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has told La Vanguardia, relayed by TNT Sports, that he wants Szczęsny to stay. If this happens, it should rule out the Catalan club as an option for Martínez and also provide encouragement for Manchester United.
The World Cup winner is seriously considering leaving Aston Villa, which was also reported in Argentine at the weekend.