Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Tue 14 April 2026 16:00, UK

Aston Villa were let down as Emi Martinez dropped out of the starting XI due to injury once again.

The Argentina international was named in the starting line-up to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but was ultimately replaced by Marco Bizot just minutes before kick-off.

That late dropout left the 35-year-old with little time to prepare before being thrown into the spotlight at the City Ground.

It was the fourth time this season that the number two keeper has been caught out as his teammate removed himself from the matchday squad.

Martinez missed the Forest draw through injury, and we have now assessed what we know about his current deal at Villa Park.

What is Emi Martinez’s contract situation at Aston Villa?

The former Arsenal man can hardly come under scrutiny for his performances since stepping through the doors at Bodymoor Heath.

He has proven himself to be the best goalkeeper in the world in B6 and has remained a regular for the claret and blue outfit.

His relationship with the Villa Park faithful has taken a knock due to his attempts to join Manchester United last summer.

That hasn’t been helped this campaign by regularly dropping out of the starting XI, supposedly due to injury, just like he did against Forest.

A summer exit feels likely for the Argentine, even if his contract doesn’t expire until 2029 after penning fresh terms in 2024.

He is reportedly paid £150,000 per week in B6, equating to a yearly wage of £7.8million for the number one keeper.

Martinez could be on his way out of Villa shortly, but there will certainly be questions of where he could go in the coming months.

Who could Martinez join in the summer?

There is a general feeling that the keeper will leave to be replaced by someone like James Trafford or Diogo Costa in the Midlands.

For a new shot-stopper to come in, it would require a departure for Martinez, despite having three years remaining on his deal.

There have been tentative links to Inter Milan, especially with Yann Sommer approaching 38 at the end of the calendar year.

A move to Manchester United is now almost certainly off the cards, with a Premier League move feeling increasingly unlikely at this stage.

Martinez’s future in B6 appears insecure, leaving him with a potential exit route out of Villa Park after his failed efforts in the summer.