Emi Martinez's future has become a major talking point among Aston Villa fans, with Juventus pushing to sign the goalkeeper this summer. The Old Lady had initially targeted Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, but after Liverpool blocked any potential exit, their focus shifted to Martinez.
With three years remaining on his contract and his 34th birthday approaching in September, this could be Villa’s last opportunity to secure a significant transfer fee for the Argentine. Replacing Martinez would be no easy task should he depart, although a sale would free up funds on the wage bill, given that he is one of the club’s highest earners.
Journalist's Insight on Martinez's Potential Exit
Speaking on Claret & Blue, John Townley shared his thoughts on the situation and explained how he feels about the prospect of Martinez leaving Villa Park.
“It appears that Martinez has at least opened the door to that move. And like last summer, even though Martinez can say ‘they were wrong’, he was open to leaving,” Townley explained.
“I did also say at the time, you know, it’s okay - players have left Villa before, and players will leave Villa again. Martinez, having won the World Cup and signed new deals, has had a big commitment to Villa. He’s been at his best level, and he’s at a really good level, being one of the best keepers in the world - if not the best.
“He stayed at Villa when he could have gone elsewhere and forced a move. So he has been loyal. But last summer left a bit of a bitter taste, didn’t it? Because he was left out of the squad for the Palace game, and that’s a decision Emery took out of Martinez’s hands.
“So yeah, it hasn’t been smooth over the last year. But if he does leave, he leaves as a Villa legend. He’s won a European trophy, been a top-level player in his position across world football.
Juventus Interest and Potential Deal
“Juventus want him. And now it’s more a stage of: if they can agree a deal with Villa, then it looks like that’ll be happening, because Martinez has given Juventus encouragement. If agreements can be made, you’d think that gets done.
“I made peace with it a year ago, to be fair. If Martinez wants to go now, then okay. He’s been at the club for a number of years, given us his best years. We can’t just hoard players. We’ve lost players when we were poor and understood it. It’s different now because we’re competing, but we weren’t before.
“Under Emery, we’ve hit new levels, and Martinez has been a key factor. He’s 34 in September. If he wants a new challenge, okay. He’s not a Villa fan, not from Birmingham. He comes from a humble background and talked about taking his family out of poverty.
“I don’t think he owes Villa more than what he’s given. He’s achieved most of his goals - Champions League, a trophy. What else is there to do? So if it ends this summer, I won’t look back and think ‘why did he leave?’ It’s part of football.
Timing and Replacements
“Someone mentioned we should wait until after the World Cup for a bidding war. But the issue is his age and position. Goalkeepers are different - you need to need one. I don’t see many clubs that can do that and offer him something new. Juventus are a huge club with history. It’s about a new challenge.
“There’s also maybe some dressing room dynamic. If a player wants to leave, it creates a situation. Not necessarily conflict, but something. If he stays another year unsettled, that’s worse. So if now is the time, now is the time.
“In terms of replacements: Diogo Costa would be my number one choice, but he’d be expensive. Other names: Trafford, Chevalier, Verbruggen. There’ll be a shortlist of about 10 names, and Villa will decide.
“Whoever comes in, it’ll feel strange. We’ve been so comfortable with Martinez - we probably took it for granted. When he’s not there, we’ll notice.”
