‘The time has come’ – Aston Villa keeper pens emotional farewell as exit announced
Aston Villa fans haven’t had much to get excited about during this transfer window.
It’s been a stressful time for fans who remain glued to the transfer rumours, as it seems a new first-team star is linked with a move to another club every day.
Villa have signed Zepiqueno Redmond and Marco Bizot on free transfers, but that’s about as exciting as it gets so far.
They don’t seem any closer to replacing loan stars Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio in attack, and the Premier League season is now just two-and-a-half weeks away.
Bizot has proven to be a safe pair of hands during pre-season, but another goalkeeper has now left the West Midlands club to make way for him.
Filip Marschall posts emotional goodbye on social media
Aston Villa confirmed that Filip Marschall has been allowed to leave Villa Park to join Stevenage Borough.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper came through the ranks in Villa’s academy, but only made one senior appearance. That was in the 1-1 draw away at Zrinjski Mostar in the Europa Conference League back in 2023.
Marschall had been sent on loan to Gateshead, Milton Keynes Dons and, most recently, Crewe Alexandra last season.
Still, he only had good things to say about his time at Villa Park on social media as he penned an emotional farewell message on Tuesday (29 July).
He said: “The time has come to move on to a new chapter in my career. I’d like to thank everyone at Aston Villa for helping me grow into who I am today, and will always be grateful for the opportunities this club gave me and the amazing people I got to work with along the way.”
Who will be Aston Villa’s number 1 goalkeeper next year?
Emi Martinez was the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Aston Villa last season. He is still seen by many as one of the best in the world.
However, this summer has seen countless rumours that Martinez could be sold.
Martinez has been linked with moves to:
- Manchester United
- Barcelona
- Galatasaray
- Atletico Madrid
- Chelsea
- Several Saudi Arabian teams
The links with Manchester United have been the most pertinent, although it appears that Martinez’s move to Old Trafford is no longer likely.
Villa have been linked with moves for big-name goalkeepers, even after having already signed Bizot, which would suggest Martinez is leaving.
Unai Emery was closely monitoring Lucas Chevalier earlier this summer, for example, although nothing materialised from that.
Bizot has been starting in goal during pre-season, but it’s anyone’s guess who could be in goal for Villa once the Premier League kicks off.
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