Manchester United have reportedly submitted a shock offer for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, as speculation swirls following the Argentine’s emotional reaction at the end of Thursday’s Europa Conference League semi-final in Spain.
The 31-year-old World Cup winner played a pivotal role in Villa’s penalty shootout triumph over Barcelona — a match in which his post-match gesture appeared to many as a possible farewell. Now, it appears both United and Barcelona are ready to test Villa’s resolve in the upcoming summer window.
According to reports in Argentina and Spain, United have put forward a formal offer for the former Arsenal man, whose performances this season have helped guide Unai Emery’s side into the Champions League places. Barcelona, too, are long-time admirers and are believed to view Martínez as a potential successor to Marc-André ter Stegen.
Goalkeeping Shake-Up at Old Trafford?
United’s interest in Martínez comes amid uncertainty over their current No.1 situation. André Onana arrived last summer from Inter Milan in a high-profile deal but endured a turbulent first season, struggling with form and consistency.
Though Onana’s position is not yet under immediate threat, INEOS — led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe — are reportedly open to bringing in competition or even making a change altogether, especially if a suitable offer for Onana arises.
Martínez is viewed internally as a proven Premier League goalkeeper with the mentality and experience to thrive at Old Trafford. His character, leadership, and penalty-saving prowess would bring added steel to a dressing room still seeking strong, vocal personalities.
Martínez’s Future in Doubt After Europa Heroics
After Villa’s dramatic win over Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Martínez was seen waving to the travelling Villa fans — a gesture that many interpreted as a farewell, though the player has not commented publicly.
Unai Emery, asked post-match, brushed off suggestions of a departure but admitted that summer decisions would be made once Villa’s season concludes.
Martínez still has two years left on his contract and remains a key figure in the squad, but Villa’s ambitions and wage structure may be tested if heavyweight interest from United and Barcelona materialises formally.
High Stakes for All Sides
For United, the move would be seen as a significant shift in transfer strategy — targeting experience and mentality over potential. For Villa, it poses a dilemma: cashing in on a top-performing player at his peak or backing their No.1 for their first Champions League campaign in over 40 years.
Martínez himself is believed to be open to a new challenge, though it remains to be seen whether his heart is set on Spain, a return to a Champions League-winning side, or another shot at the Premier League elite.
One thing is certain — United’s offer has turned heads, and the race for Martínez is now officially underway.
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