news-engine

Emiliano Martinez looks poised to finally complete his desired move away from Aston Villa. Over a year on from when he bid an emotional farewell to Villa fans before continuing as their No.1 for a full season, he is on the verge of joining Juventus. 🚨 EXCL: Aston Villa receive fresh bid from Juventus for Emiliano Martinez & gap between valuations now narrowing. #Juve willing to pay up to €10m (€7+3m) – #AVFC want €10m fixed. Personal terms for 33yo goalkeeper no issue. W @J_Tanswell @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/TZ9TOP5Lv9 — David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 16, 2026 Martinez could’ve been a United player It’s also approaching 12 months since Manchester United went as far as agreeing personal terms with Martinez before favouring a move for Senne Lammens instead. 🚨 OFFICIAL: Dibu Martínez, out of Aston Villa squad tonight against Crystal Palace. This follows player’s desire to join Man United as personal terms have been agreed.#MUFC in active talks with Aston Villa for Dibu… if Senne Lammens deal collapses, as still both options on. pic.twitter.com/sOIgCty9W2 — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2025 Ruben Amorim began 2025/2026 with Altay Bayindir as his first-choice between the sticks following Andre Onana’s calamitous Europa League final showing. However, when Bayindir also failed to impress in the chances he was granted, United entered the market for a new shot-stopper a matter of days before the window closed. Martinez was said to be desperate to make the switch to Old Trafford, and compatriot Lisandro Martinez even spoke highly of the veteran behind the scenes to try and convince INEOS he was the right man for the job. Emiliano Martinez spent deadline day at #AVFC's Bodymoor Heath waiting for a call that never came. Ruben Amorim + Lisandro Martinez spoke to him this summer, backed a move to #MUFC, but finances always made it implausible. w/ @J_Tanswell ⬇️https://t.co/ctGfSMYLGF — Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) September 1, 2025 Why INEOS eventually snubbed Martinez Ultimately, though, they opted for youth over experience, and signed Lammens in an £18.2 million deal from Royal Antwerp. INEOS have shown throughout their time at the club that they would rather buy players who can hold down their roles for years to come, instead of ones who are seeing out the golden years of their careers. That being said, the odd senior addition is also beneficial, hence bringing in 35-year-old ‘keeper Karl Darlow from Leeds United last month. He will play second fiddle to Lammens, so will likely only feature in cup competitions while the Belgian plays all Premier League and Champions League games. Making an instant impact for his new club ❤️@ManUtd’s goalkeeper Senne Lammens is @BarclaysFooty Transfer of the Season 🙌 pic.twitter.com/SG0Saqr6Gd — Premier League (@premierleague) June 1, 2026 Altay Bayindir will be spending 2026/2027 with Celta Vigo on loan, while highly-regarded Carrington prospect Radek Vitek signed for Middlesbrough in a £7m (rising to £14m) transfer last week.