Frank Christian
Aston Villa secured an impressive 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park in the Premier League on May 16.
Goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara in the second half were crucial for Unai Emery’s team as they pursue UEFA Champions League qualification for the upcoming season.
Following the match, as Villa players took a victory lap to thank the supporters, their goalkeeper Emi Martinez appeared emotional. He was seen crying while waving to the fans.
This has led many supporters to speculate that the Argentine goalkeeper might be departing the club this summer, with the encounter against Spurs possibly being his final appearance at Villa Park. Is Martinez bidding adieu after five remarkable years with the club?
Over the years, Martinez has evolved into one of Villa’s most reliable players. The seasoned keeper is a vital presence in the locker room, and Emery often counts on him for critical saves during matches.
So, could this be a farewell for the 32-year-old in the coming days?
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What’s next for Martinez this summer?
According to reports from Argentina, and journalist Gaston Edul, Martinez has received offers from Saudi Arabia, but he is not inclined to join the Saudi Pro League. He also has two offers from clubs in Europe and is expected to make a decision soon.
“He’ll be a significant loss for them”
“It certainly looks like he was saying goodbye”Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp on Emi Martinez waving to the Villa Park crowd with tears in his eyes pic.twitter.com/wNaMId6Cij
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 16, 2025
“We will see,” Emery replied when asked about Martinez’s emotional display.
“Of course, it’s the last match here [this season], and I can’t predict. We will see regarding the team and the players, but they are clearly performing well on the pitch.”
If Martinez departs, Emery will face a challenge in finding a goalkeeper of his caliber. Furthermore, Villa’s transfer activities may be limited this summer due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) considerations.
Martinez made the move to Villa from Arsenal in 2020 and has been instrumental in elevating the club’s status in English football, leading them to this year’s Champions League.
He has played 211 times for Villa, including 52 matches this season, boasting a 72.1% save rate. He has achieved eight clean sheets in 36 appearances in the Premier League this year.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Villa is interested in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, but they will need to compete with Newcastle United and Arsenal for his signature this summer.
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