Following a season finale that saw him bid what many presumed was a heartfelt goodbye to the Aston Villa supporters, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has reported back for duty at the club`s pre-season training camp. The World Cup winner`s emotional gestures towards the fans had strongly indicated an impending departure during the summer transfer window.
Transfer rumours have consistently linked the prominent Argentine international with a move away from Villa Park, particularly to Premier League rivals Manchester United. Reports suggested Martinez is keen to continue competing at the highest level in Europe, reportedly turning down interest from the Saudi Pro League to keep such options open. Manchester United, navigating a period of transition and facing questions regarding their current goalkeeping situation, were understood to be exploring the possibility of signing the highly-rated stopper.
Martinez himself is reportedly open to the prospect of joining Manchester United, despite their recent struggles and the absence of European football in the upcoming 2025-26 season, signaling he awaits a formal approach from the Old Trafford club. The potential move appeared more likely at the close of the campaign, especially with Aston Villa previously thought to be under pressure to sell players to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
However, a significant development has altered Aston Villa`s financial outlook. The club`s agreement to sell their women`s team has reportedly eased the immediate PSR constraints, reducing the necessity to offload key players to balance the books. Crucially, Martinez is tied to a long-term contract with Aston Villa, valid until 2029, placing the club in a strong negotiating position.
With no formal transfer offer materializing and the window still open, Martinez has, as per his contractual obligations, joined the rest of the Aston Villa squad for the commencement of pre-season activities. This phase includes preparatory fixtures, starting with a local encounter against Walsall before the team embarks on tours to Germany and the United States for further friendly matches.
The return to Bodymoor Heath suggests that while a move away from Aston Villa remains a possibility as the transfer window progresses, it is by no means a certainty. The emotional goodbye witnessed by fans now appears less like a final farewell and more like a poignant moment in an ongoing story. Emi Martinez is back between the posts for Villa, at least for the start of pre-season, adding an unexpected twist to one of the summer`s notable transfer sagas.
