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Departure looming regardless of Champions League return

The emotional farewell felt like an indication. After Aston Villa’s pivotal victory over Tottenham Hotspur, Emiliano Martinez lingered longer than standard on the Villa Park turf. Whereas followers basked within the glow of what might have been a Champions League-clinching end result, the goalkeeper’s physique language hinted at one thing else – an ending.

Photograph IMAGO

In accordance with , sources near the membership consider Martinez may very well be heading for the exit, with Atletico Madrid main the cost to safe his providers. It’s understood Villa can be open to a sale ought to the 32-year-old categorical a want to go away, regardless of being underneath contract till 2028 and incomes £150,000 per week.

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This summer time may mark a poignant crossroad. On the one hand, Villa are rising once more underneath Unai Emery, lastly cracking into the highest tier of European soccer. On the opposite, their first-choice goalkeeper – and World Cup winner – may very well be tempted by a recent problem in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid make their transfer

The timing of Atletico’s curiosity feels deliberate. With Jan Oblak doubtlessly set for a departure as Diego Simeone refreshes his squad on the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Martinez has emerged as a key goal. Sources recommend the Spanish giants are keen to fulfill Villa’s £40 million valuation, understanding different golf equipment – together with Manchester United – are monitoring developments carefully.

Photograph: IMAGO

Martinez’s CV makes him a compelling goal: a Copa America champion, World Cup winner and arguably one of many Premier League’s most constant keepers over the previous three seasons. Add to that his expertise in high-pressure moments, and it’s little shock golf equipment of Atletico’s stature are circling.

Emery prepares contingency plans

Unai Emery shouldn’t be unaware of the shifting panorama. Whereas Villa put together to welcome Yasin Özcan in a £6 million deal from Kasimpasa, consideration can also be being paid to life past Martinez. GiveMeSport notes curiosity in Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, though his launch clause is ready to extend from £21 million to £25 million ought to he earn a Spain cap.

Photograph IMAGO

Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher can also be being thought-about, with the Irish worldwide reportedly searching for extra sport time as he continues to play understudy to Alisson Becker.

Photograph: IMAGO

There’s a way that Villa, underneath Emery, are evolving with precision, including youth, scouting astutely, and now, probably reshaping one of many few positions that had appeared absolutely safe.

Europe stays the precedence

Whereas curiosity from the Saudi Professional League lingers within the background, Martinez’s choice is to stay in Europe. The venture at Atletico, with Champions League soccer and a demanding however tactically subtle supervisor in Simeone, seems to align effectively together with his ambitions.

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Dan Bardell of Sky Sports activities described Martinez as “world-class,” and it’s that commonplace that Villa might quickly lose – except the emotional scenes final weekend had been merely sentimental, relatively than symbolic.

Martinez’s potential departure, simply as Villa scale new heights, is a reminder of how cyclical elite soccer stays. Peaks and farewells can arrive concurrently.

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For Villa followers, this can really feel like horrible timing. They’ve fought tooth and nail to earn their place within the Champions League, arguably essentially the most formidable marketing campaign in a technology, and now the cornerstone of that success seems to be able to stroll.

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Nobody questions Martinez’s contribution. From heroic shootouts in Qatar to match-winning saves in claret and blue, he’s been immense. However why go away now? Why not be a part of what you’ve helped construct?

Sure, Atletico Madrid are an elite aspect and La Liga carries glamour. However Villa are usually not that far behind anymore. With Emery’s venture, Villa are on a reliable trajectory, and it is going to be irritating to followers to suppose they may lose somebody of his calibre simply because the rewards of progress arrive.

Even worse is the concept they might need to scramble for replacements throughout a summer time when each high membership is chasing a goalkeeper. Villa have been proactive in different areas, however changing a ‘keeper of Martinez’s presence received’t be simple.