Aston Villa, Caoimhin Kelleher
(Credit: Imago)
Villa News Speaking to Bryan King
Thu 22 May 2025 11:10, UK
Caoimhin Kelleher could be set to replace Emiliano Martínez between the sticks at Aston Villa.
Unai Emery’s side still have a chance to qualify for the UEFA Champions League if they can beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday (25 May).
That could make keeping hold of some of their big-name stars a little easier this summer.
However, Aston Villa’s financial struggles mean a high-profile player is likely to be sold regardless of whether the West Midlands outfit qualify for the Champions League, and Martínez could be that player.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez
Martínez could leave Aston Villa (Credit: Imago)
Aston Villa join the hunt to sign Kelleher from Liverpool
Martínez has been widely linked with an Aston Villa exit, with Manchester United having already made an offer [Sébastien Vidal]
The goalkeeper appeared to wave goodbye to Villa Park after the Villans beat Tottenham 2-0 in the Premier League on Friday (16 May).
Aston Villa Appearances Clean Sheets
Emiliano Martínez 211 69
Martínez’s stats for Aston Villa
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If Martínez does leave, a replacement will be needed, and it appears Aston Villa are keen on Liverpool shot-stopper Kelleher, who has also been linked with Chelsea and West Ham [The Sun].
The 26-year-old is rated at £30million. However, ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes a deal could be struck for much less.
“I think Liverpool would let him go for £12million,” King said.
“However, for me, he isn’t the replacement for Martínez. If you want to replace Martínez, you’ve got to sign a number one choice goalkeeper.
“Martínez is a World Cup winner and a very good goalkeeper. At the end of the day, Kelleher is a second-choice goalkeeper who isn’t good enough to take over from Alisson. If Villa are going to replace Martínez, they need a high-profile, experienced goalkeeper.
Aston Villa, Caoimhin Kelleher
Kelleher could be given a chance by Aston Villa (Credit: Imago)
Martínez could make final Villa appearance v Man Utd
If Martínez is going to leave this summer, he at least has the chance to end his time at Villa on a high by helping the Birmingham-based side to once again qualify for the Champions League.
A clean sheet at Old Trafford would be the perfect way to say goodbye.
Replacing Martínez won’t be easy. However, Kelleher has shown plenty of quality when he has played for Liverpool, and his limited appearances have simply been a result of Alisson’s brilliance.
Martínez was the backup for a long time at Arsenal before establishing himself as one of the world’s best at Villa Park. Therefore, at the age of 26, there is no reason why Kelleher wouldn’t be able to do the same.
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