Manchester United are considering a shock return for Emiliano Martinez but would have to agree with a European giant to sign the Aston Villa goalkeeper for a hefty fee, according to latest reports.
Younger than old
The Red Devils were heavily linked with a move for Martinez last summer, with United manager Ruben Amorim pushing for the 33-year-old shot-stopper to be signed.
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The inconsistent performances of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindil last season convinced the Portuguese coach that a new number one must arrive if the new campaign is to be successful.
However, despite the elderly goalkeeper’s impressive resume, Ineos are unconvinced by the prospect of signing him for a hefty fee and higher wages. At this time this summer, Martinez was vice-captain at Villa Park and a key member of the Argentina national team that helped them win the 2022 World Cup.
His experience in both the Premier League and football’s elite competition is vast, and his confident, almost arrogant personality is seen by Amorim as something the United dressing room needs. But Martinez’s 2024/25 season has been poor, plagued by a number of costly mistakes, and there is a feeling among the Old Trafford hierarchy that this signing will repeat the mistakes of the past.
Instead, Ineos are looking to sign Royal Antwerp rising star Sené Lamence on the recommendation of goalkeeper scout Tony Cotton, who has targeted the 23-year-old Belgian for the past 18 months.
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Lamenz was signed for £18.2m on deadline day, while the pursuit of Martinez never materialized, despite the Argentine’s aggressive push to leave Villa Park, resulting in him being stripped of his vice-captaincy.
Lammence’s performances this season since taking over from Baindil in October have amply justified Ineos’ – and Cotton’s – decision.
Once bitten, don’t be shy
However, Offside It has now been revealed that the Red Devils are “again exploring the possibility of signing Martinez”, with a Spanish report claiming there is “strong interest” in a move this summer.
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Manchester United has “Reevaluate” There are concerns in their goalkeeping department about the depth behind Lamens, although there is general delight at the Belgium international’s progress this season.
Baindil remains an inconsistent substitute, while Tom Heaton is more of a coach than a player at Old Trafford in the final stages of the 39-year-old’s legendary career. Onana is currently on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor but will be sold this summer.
Radek Vitek has impressed with a string of winning performances for Bristol City in the Championship. United are excited about the Czech’s development, although the prospect of a 22-year-old goalkeeper playing backup in front of a 23-year-old is concerning from both a development and experience perspective.
This led United to reconsider Martinez as an option, with the recruitment department eventually settling on the 33-year-old.”One of the best options on their shortlist. “
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However, Villa are demanding a fee in the region of £40m to lure their goalkeeper away from Birmingham – a price too high for a replacement.
Offside Emery believes his side will need to be “willing to negotiate with domestic rivals” to make progress due to Villa Park’s precarious financial situation.
Inter Milan are also understood to be interested and have also been linked with a move to bring Onana back to the San Siro, adding another layer of complexity to the transfer saga and it feels like it’s only just beginning.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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