The Aston Villa goalkeeper has been the subject of intense transfer speculation over the last few weeks and now fans of Barcelona are calling for Emi Martinez to join them
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez(Image: Getty Images)
Many football pundits expect that Emi Martinez has played his last game for Villa, and speculation is rife on where he might go next — with fans of FC Barcelona leading the charge after responding to a post of the keeper's on his Instagram. Martinez has received interest from the Saudi Pro League, but reports claim that he is not willing to leave European football at this stage of his career.
Speculation wasn't helped by his actions last Sunday when he was sent off in the first half of the Champions League decider against Manchester United. Martinez had made several important saves before making the wrong decision to drop Rasmus Hojlund following a sloppy back pass from Matty Cash.
There is a widely held belief that Martinez has played his last game for Villa — after he cried at the end of the club’s final home game of the season against Tottenham earlier this month.
Atletico Madrid are also believed to be interested in the Aston Villa shot stopper but would need to find a new club for their number one — Jan Oblak — before making a move for him. A recent post from Villa's man between the sticks saw him write: "3rd consecutive European football. Not what we wanted but that shows how far we have come as a club. The fans were amazing as always, thank you! #UTV.”
The post has generated several responses from Barcelonistes such as, "Here we go, Emi Martinez to join Barca" and "Welcome to Barcelona Emi Martinez." Football fans hijacked the post to try to sway the goalkeeper to join their team next after it has been highly speculated that Martinez is probably going to be moving on from Villa Park.
Raphinha celebrates scoring for Barcelona
FC Barcelona fans have tried to sway Martinez to come play for them after the shot stopper posted on social media
But Barcelona's Culers have stiff competition from other fans with Galatasaray supporters drowning out their calls in an effort to steer Martinez to their club. The Turkish club's backers made it no secret in responses to the post that they want The Villans' man defending their goal.
Responding to one Barcelona fan on Martinez's Instagram post, a Cimbom follower said: "He will be the lion of Galatasaray, shut up."
The goalkeeper's social media announcement was inundated with supporters simply posting: "Come to Galatasaray."
Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring a goal for Galatasaray
Fans of Galatasaray have been vocal on Instagram about wanting the Villa keeper at their club
The Villa keeper has a large following on Instagram with over 14 million followers and the 32-year-old received nearly 3,000 responses to his latest share. Martinez seems to be a popular choice for fans of several football giants but where will he end up?
Barcelona have a goalkeeper who is widely regarded as one of the safest pair of hands on the planet. German international, Marc-André ter Stegen who is also captain at the Catalan side is under contract until 2028 and has made over 450 appearances for Barca. He is several months older than Martinez but the club also have up and coming 21-year-old Spanish keeper Ander Astralaga Aranguren who has represented his country at youth level.
On the other hand, Galatasaray Spor Kulübü also have their captain between the posts. Uruguayan Fernando Muslera — who was capped for his country over 130 times — holds leadership responsibility on the pitch at Rams Park. Now retired from international football, the 38-year-old still turns out for his club who also have 33-year-old Günay Güvenç as an option.