Aston Villa ‘to consider £100m Emiliano Martínez sale’ amid Saudi transfer news
Aston Villa could have a big decision to make this summer over the future of Emiliano Martínez.
Unai Emery’s squad could look very different next season with several high-profile players facing uncertain futures this summer.
Ollie Watkins’ recent frustrations over his lack of game time could lead to a move away from Aston Villa at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers has been linked with an exit from Villa Park, while Martínez is also being lined up for a move away from the West Midlands.
Martínez lined up for move to Saudi Arabia
Aston Villa are no strangers to negotiating player sales with clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Jhon Duran and Moussa Diaby have both made big-money moves to the Middle East in the last year, and it seems as though Saudi clubs now want to sign an even more high-profile Villa player in Martínez.
| Aston Villa | Appearances | Clean Sheets |
| Emiliano Martínez | 209 | 67 |
As reported by the Telegraph (1 May), a Saudi source has “confirmed” that Martínez is being lined up for a move to the nation.
However, ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – doesn’t think NSWE would sanction the goalkeeper’s exit, even if an offer of £100million was to be made.
“Martínez still has four years left on his contract,” King said.
“Therefore, it would take an offer of at least £100m if he is going to go to Saudi Arabia. He has four years left on his deal, and it wasn’t that long ago that he signed a new deal. Martínez is still only 32, which is no age for a goalkeeper.
“I had to retire at 32, but if I hadn’t suffered a bad injury, I would have played till I was 40, I’m sure of it. If Villa do get an offer of £100m, I’m sure they’ll consider it, but then turn it down. Martínez can start thinking about a move to Saudi Arabia in two years.”
Villa need to keep hold of star players this summer
Villa have made plenty of progress under Emery.
However, a lot of that hard work will be undone if the West Midlands-based outfit let several of their top players go this summer.
Therefore, NSWE mustn’t sanction too many high-profile exits in the coming months.