Online Report : Aston Villa may have taken a giant leap toward UEFA Champions League qualification with a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, but post-match discussions were dominated by speculation surrounding their star goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez.
The Argentine`s emotional gestures at the end of what was Villa`s final home game of the season have fuelled rumours of an impending departure.
According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, Martínez is seriously considering leaving Villa this summer, despite having signed a contract extension until 2029 just last year.
The club, managed by Unai Emery, is reportedly open to evaluating the offers that are already beginning to surface for the World Cup-winning goalkeeper.
Martínez has received a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, along with two additional proposals from top European clubs. While the financial details remain undisclosed, TyC Sports asserts that a move to the Saudi Pro League is unlikely at this stage of his career. At 32, Martínez is still at the peak of his powers and aims to stay competitive ahead of 2026 World Cup.
Having already won two Yashin Trophies and FIFA`s Best Goalkeeper award in 2022, Martínez is seen as too valuable and ambitious to step away from top-tier European football just yet.
Meanwhile, English media outlets including The Telegraph and Mail Sports report that Aston Villa have already started scouting replacements. Among the top targets is Espanyol’s Spanish goalkeeper Joan García, who has a €25 million release clause. The club is reportedly planning at least three squad changes ahead of the next campaign.
Following the win over Tottenham, Martínez acknowledged the fans with teary eyes; further fuelling exit rumours. When asked about the Argentine’s future, head coach Unai Emery offered a vague response, “We will see in the future. Of course, this was our last home game of the season and I don’t know what will happen next. We’ll all see what the future holds for the team and the players who are here. Until then, he’s giving his best on the field.”
Martínez joined Aston Villa from Arsenal in 2020 and has since made 211 appearances for the club. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on where the decorated shot-stopper heads next.