Aston Villa player sends message after Portsmouth transfer update
Aston Villa had a lot of players out on loan this season, and decisions will need to be made over their futures.
Villa could be set to sell some first-team players after missing out on Champions League football, and any further sales would boost their financial fair play issues.
Emi Martinez could be one of those departing, and there may be several changes within the goalkeeping roster over the course of the summer.
Aston Villa have a lot of goalkeepers on their books across the club, and one has just sent a message after transfer news elsewhere.
Joe Gauci reacts as Portsmouth player announces departure
Goalkeeper Joe Gauci is low down the pecking order at Villa Park, and spent the second half of the season on loan at League One side Barnsley.
Gauci featured in a few matchday squads before departing, but is yet to add to his two senior appearances for Aston Villa.
The Australian has featured for his national team, alongside striker Kusini Yengi, who featured in the Championship for Portsmouth.
| Stat | Gauci |
| Appearances | 2 |
| Conceded | 3 |
| Clean sheets | 0 |
However, Yengi has now announced his departure from the second division side, and Gauci has sent a farewell message to his teammate.
Commenting on his Instagram post (7 June), Gauci posted a kangaroo emoji, as his Australia teammate posted an emotional farewell following his exit from Fratton Park.
Gauci to remain Villa’s third-choice goalkeeper
As it stands, even if Martinez departs and is replaced, with Lucas Chevalier among those linked, Gauci may remain Villa’s third-choice goalkeeper.
Gauci was on the bench alongside Robin Olsen at times this season, as the third-choice option, and has so far conceded three goals in his two senior appearances.
The 24-year-old is under contract at Villa until 2028, and he appears set to stay as the backup option, barring any surprising development.
Oliwier Zych replaced him as the third-choice while he was out on loan, but unless another move materialises, Gauci will return to the bench next season, but with a different number two ahead of him following Olsen’s departure.
Unai Emery will hope that if Martinez does depart, that his goalkeeping roster remains strong as he aims to bring Villa back to the Champions League next season.