Emi Martinez went to extreme lengths in Aston Villa exit pursuit as Alexander Isak comparison made
Emi Martinez appeared to be on the brink of leaving Aston Villa over the summer.
Martinez, 33, joined the Villans in 2020 after being unable to break into their starting XI, resulting in the Argentina international being loaned out on numerous occasions.
In B6, the goalkeeper found a home and developed into one of the best shot stoppers in the world, but that did not stop Martinez from attempting to force through a deadline-day move.
Manchester United were the club heavily linked with Martinez, but a deal never came to fruition, with Villa supporters set to be even more annoyed when they found out the lengths their goalkeeper went to as he attempted to leave.
Emi Martinez enlisted help from ‘superagent’ in his attempt to facilitate transfer
Martinez was absent during Villa’s loss to Crystal Palace before the international break, with Marco Bizot having to step in between the sticks to replace him.
Understandably, Unai Emery was furious with his antics, evident in the Spaniard’s now iconic pre-match interview in which he simply replied ‘Bizot’ to every question he was asked.
Whilst recent reports suggest that Villa will reintegrate Martinez back into the squad, the World Cup winner may have already burnt his bridges with the fanbase who have supported him all these years.
According to The Athletic, Alexander Isak, who himself was at the centre of a high-profile transfer saga this summer, is represented by the agency known as Universal Twenty Two.
This same agency also has an agent who looks after Martinez.
Naturally, as negotiations regarding a potential transfer began to intensify, Martinez even enlisted the help of the ‘superagent’ Jorge Mendes to try to help get the deal over the line.
The long road back for Martinez and his reputation at Villa may have just been extended by a few miles, as it is evident he tried to do everything in his power to leave.
- READ MORE: Emi Martinez’s brother compares goalkeeper to Lionel Messi amid claims Aston Villa transfer claims
Monchi should be hesistant to deal with these agents again
Given Villa’s constant battle with PSR, it must be challenging for Monchi to identify suitable targets to bring to Villa Park.
Now, it may have become even harder, as Villa’s president of football operations may be hesitant to deal with the agents who undoubtedly advised both Martinez and Isak to push for moves away from their respective clubs during the transfer window.
With player power being a massive talking point throughout the transfer window, Villa are an example that you can stand firm and not be bullied and pressurised into selling an asset you want to keep.
This hardline approach will hopefully prevent this from occurring at the club again in the future as it is the club, in this case Villa, who ultimately holds all the cards.
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