Emi MartinezImago

Aston Villa may have identified long-term Emi Martinez successor, they already know him well

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Published on:

25 Jun 2026, 2:19 pm

Aston Villa will hope they can get several more seasons out of Emi Martinez.

The Argentina international, a World Cup and two-time Copa America winner, has entrenched himself as one of Villa's greatest-ever goalkeepers.

Even after a move to Manchester United failed to materialise last summer, Martinez remained a firm favourite with the Villans' faithful.

But, now aged 33 and turning 34 in September, it would naturally be prudent to start thinking about who will succeed Martinez.

Marco Bizot is Villa's current back-up goalie, and of course deputised at times for Martinez last season.

He is older than Martinez at 35, though, so can hardly be considered a successor to the former Arsenal man, but Villa may have identified a long-term option instead.

Aston Villa one of three teams linked with Championship goalkeeper

There appears little to suggest right now that Martinez will look for the Villa Park exit door this summer.

He has just won the Europa League, and will be back gracing Europe's top table in the Champions League in the 2026/27 season.

However, that does not mean Villa should not be prudent in identifying reinforcement if a good opportunity arises.

And, according to Swedish publication Sportbladet, Villa are keeping tabs on Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson.

The 27-year-old has spent the past two seasons at the bet365 Stadium, though he missed much of the previous campaign through injury.

Premier League newboys Ipswich Town and Hull City are also mentioned among the clubs who could opt to make a move this summer.

Aston Villa can't afford Emi Martinez repeat as transfer drama reignites

Viktor Johansson is no stranger to Aston Villa

If Villa were to press ahead with a move for Johansson, it would represent somewhat of a full-circle moment for the 12-cap Sweden international.

Indeed, it was Villa who first brought Johansson to England, where he joined the club's academy from Hammarby in his homeland.

However, he would later join Leicester City's academy, before making a move to Rotherham United after a successful loan spell.

He was a big favourite with the Millers fanbase, and has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship.

Eight years have passed since he departed Villa, but he might be a good option to take over from Martinez in the future.

Damian Emiliano Martinez

Aston Villa Football Club