Aston Villa can sign ‘new Emi Martinez’ after developments at Liverpool
Aston Villa now look likely to part ways with Emi Martinez this summer, following the goalkeeper’s latest high-profile error.
Villa missed out on Champions League football as they lost 2-0 to Manchester United on the final day of the season, with Martinez receiving a red card after an early reckless challenge outside the box.
Martinez has been linked with several clubs as Villa may need to sell to boost their financial situation, but they would also need a top-quality replacement should he depart.
Joan Garcia of Espanyol has been linked, but a Premier League-proven option is available, and his price tag makes him a no-brainer addition this summer.
Caoimhin Kelleher available in £20m transfer
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will depart Anfield this summer after falling down the pecking order, and the Premier League champions have now set a starting price.
It has been reported by the Liverpool Echo (28 May) that Brentford are interested in a deal for Kelleher, who has an asking price of £20million-plus this summer.
| Matches played | 20 |
| Goals conceded | 20 |
| Clean sheets | 9 |
Kelleher has served as a reliable number two option behind Alisson, and given that the Brazilian is injury-prone, he has stepped in when necessary on several occasions and hardly put a foot wrong.
Brentford want Kelleher as it appears that Mark Flekken could be heading to Bayer Leverkusen, but if Martinez is to leave Villa, they should be first in line for the Liverpool shot-stopper’s signature.
Villa can repeat Martinez masterclass with Kelleher transfer
Martinez served as Arsenal’s number two before he joined Villa in 2020 for around £20million, and it was his move to Villa, as well as regular game time, which helped him explode into one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Few could have predicted Martinez’s rise at the time, but Villa clearly saw the potential of an experienced backup becoming a first-choice, and Kelleher could follow a similar path.
The 26-year-old has 67 Liverpool appearances to his name, including in the Champions League and cup finals, and would arrive with a point to prove at Villa.
If Villa pursue him, they could convince Kelleher to reject Brentford in favour of European football, and they should seriously consider him as a Martinez replacement who could slot straight in as a long-term option.
It’s time for Emery to work his magic again.