Aston Villa is in danger of losing its number 1 Emiliano Martinez after all. Rumors about Manchester United are intensifying—even though there is another goalkeeper candidate.
Efforts to close the transfer window in Europe’s top leagues before the start of the season failed again this summer. Aston Villa provided a strong argument for this on Sunday evening when they decided at short notice to do without their regular goalkeeper. Emiliano Martinez wants to move to Manchester United at the last minute.
“We need players who are 100 percent focused. He wasn’t,” said coach Unai Emery, making no secret of his annoyance with his number 1. “That doesn’t help us. It’s one of the circumstances that isn’t helping us at the moment.”
Martinez was replaced in goal for the home game against Crystal Palace by 34-year-old Dutchman Marco Bizot, who joined the club from Stade Brest in the summer and suffered a 3-0 defeat in his second Premier League appearance. He conceded the penalty that led to the first goal and also appeared to be out of position for Marc Guehi’s superb curling shot that made it 2-0. After three matchdays, Villa is second from bottom with one point and a goal difference of 0-4.
Martinez has been linked with ManUnited for weeks, who reportedly made an unsuccessful loan request in July. The Red Devils are not satisfied with their goalkeepers André Onana and Altay Bayindir. After Saturday’s 3-2 win over Burnley, coach Ruben Amorim said: “It’s hard to see goalkeepers at Manchester United at the moment.”
Lammens also a candidate at United – and at Villa?
Martinez could give the shaky defense new stability with his world-class qualities, his experience from 197 Premier League games, and, last but not least, his self-confident attitude. However, according to The Athletic and other English media outlets, United is still interested in Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. The 23-year-old Belgian, who had his first season as a regular goalkeeper in the top flight last season, would be more of a man for the future than Martinez, who is nine years his senior.
Curiously, Lammens is also considered a candidate at Villa should Martinez get his way at short notice. At the same time, Villa is also negotiating with United over a transfer for Jadon Sancho.
