Max Wilkins

Thu 28 May 2026 7:10, UK

Emi Martinez could put himself in the shop window at the World Cup before departing Aston Villa.

There has been no shortage of exit links for the 33-year-old in the past 12 months after a move to Manchester United appeared to be on the cards.

The keeper put an end to those rumours at the Europa League trophy parade by suggesting that they were wrong.

That may not halt him from moving on this summer after the Villans ended the campaign in perfect fashion.

He is now set to jet off to the World Cup with Argentina, which could ultimately pave the way for Martinez’s departure from Villa Park.

Emi Martinez could still leave Aston Villa

No one can truly disagree that the Argentine is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world after many years at the top level.

That has allowed him to fill his trophy cabinet with personal, club and country accolades while remaining a key player for the claret and blue outfit.

It did feel likely that he would depart last season, especially after crying on the pitch after the final Villa Park outing of the 2024/25 campaign.

That didn’t happen in the end, but 12 months later, a departure may still be possible if an offer comes in that is too good to turn down.

Former Villa scout Bryan King believes the World Cup could end and prompt the shotstopper to demand a B6 departure for a sizable fee.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “What Villa don’t need now is players saying that it’s time to want on.

“Martinez could come back from the World Cup and look for a move.

“He’s got to be thankful to Villa for sticking by him after his outburst last summer.

“I can’t see the point of him leaving unless there’s big money there for him, his agent and Aston Villa.”

Martinez is proud of what he’s done with Villa, but the right figures could mark the end of the road in the Midlands.

How much could Aston Villa demand for Martinez?

The Argentine was never a regular at Arsenal and only earned a move to Villa Park off the back of a stellar run in place of the injured Bernd Leno.

That prompted Dean Smith and Co. to pay around £17million for his signature in September 2020, a fee that has been worth every penny.

Should he look to move on after six years, there is no doubt he would be worth more than that, leaving Villa with a chance to book some profit.

Any fee over £20m could ultimately be accepted, but it would depend on how much a replacement option could cost.

Demanding upwards of £30m would be wise if he has a positive World Cup campaign because that could allow a similar level alternative to be found with ease.