(Credit: Imago)

Unai Emery repeats same two words when asked about Emi Martinez exit at Aston Villa

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

31 Aug 2025, 1:44 pm

Emi Martinez looks set to leave Aston Villa after the latest developments from the West Midlands club.

Martinez has reportedly agreed terms with Man United ahead of a move to Old Trafford before the impending deadline.

The World Cup winner was left out of Unai Emery's squad to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League, with Marco Bizot starting between the sticks.

When asked about the Argentina international's future, Emery repeated the same two words over and over again.

Emi Martinez in an Aston Villa shirt at Villa Park

Could the goalkeeper have played his last game for Villa? (Credit: Manh Tung; Breaking Media)

Unai Emery addresses Emi Martinez's future at Aston Villa

Martinez made his first appearance of the season against Brentford, but was unable to stop Villa falling to a 1-0 defeat.

The 32-year-old was absent from the West Midlands club's Premier League opener against Newcastle United due to suspension.

However, Emery has only added fuel to the speculation around his future after the manager's most recent comments.

When asked about Martinez's future before the encounter with Palace on 31 August, the Spaniard told Sky Sports: "Marco Bizot."

Martinez was in tears as he waved goodbye to Villa Park at the end of last season
Bizot performed well in his absence
The Argentine has made 213 appearances for Villa

Sky Sports' Kelly Cates pressed the 53-year-old further, but he kept delivering the same response: "Marco Bizot."

Indeed, this has been a familiar tactic from Villa's head coach, who clearly did not want to entertain chat about Martinez.

However, before the end of the interview, the former Sevilla boss said, "He's hurt."

Unai Emery unhappy at Aston Villa on the touchline during a match

Emery could have a new number one before the deadline (credit: Imago)

Villa must replace Emi Martinez if he leaves for Man United

Martinez has been a stellar performer at Villa Park ever since his move from Arsenal in 2020.

Even though he arrived with little expectation, he revolutionised his career and became one of the world's best goalkeepers in the process.

It appears that the Villans are pursuing a move for Diogo Costa and are in advanced talks for the Porto man.

The West Midlands club simply must ensure they get a deal done for Costa if Martinez leaves as expected.

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Emi Martinez

Unai Emery