Emiliano Martinez’s response to Saudi and Turkish offers revealed after Aston Villa U-turn
Emiliano Martinez is prepared to snub offers for the Saudi Pro League and Turkish Super Lig in favour of remaining at Aston Villa this season.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 33-year-old’s future after he missed out on a proposed move to Man United.
The goalkeeper is widely believed to have had his heart set on a move to Old Trafford, but after no offer materialised, he has changed his mind on an immediate Villa Park exit.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 24 August that Martinez has no plans to leave Aston Villa despite his departure looking “inevitable” at the end of last season.
The Argentina international has no intention of moving to Turkey or Saudi Arabia despite big offers being mooted with their respective transfer windows still open.
Former Villa and United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 2 September that Martinez must work hard to regain trust at Villa after the surprise U-turn.
Emiliano Martinez makes Aston Villa exit decision
Football Insider revealed on 2 September that Unai Emery will reintegrate Martinez into his plans for the upcoming season despite a turbulent summer window.
Marco Bizot started in Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace with Martinez not prepared to start amid transfer speculation, but he is now set to return to the starting XI.
O’Rourke explained that the goalkeeper’s presence will be a “huge” boost to Villa’s plans, with the situation seen as a win-win for both parties.
“It’s a huge boost for Villa that Martinez is still at the club,” he told Football Insider.
“It seems he’s got no interest in a move to Turkey or Saudi Arabia despite the interest while their transfer windows are still open.
“So it does look like he will be staying at Villa Park until January at least.
“It’s a big year for Martinez and he wants to be playing regularly in the lead up to the World Cup.
“He wants to be competing at the highest level and playing regularly as well.
“It’s a win-win for Villa, they will keep hold of Martinez who has shown over time what a top goalkeeper he can be for them.”
Man United ‘delighted’ with Jadon Sancho deal
While Martinez missed out on his move, one player who did make the switch between Man United and Villa was Jadon Sancho, who joined on loan on deadline day.
Brown told Football Insider that Man United are “delighted” with the loan deal after initially fearing they would struggle to shift his wages.
Villa are believed to be covering around 80 per cent of the 25-year-old’s significant wage packet, easing the considerable financial burden on Ruben Amorim‘s side.
This came after Football Insider exclusively revealed that Man United had slashed Sancho’s asking price alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund to force through moves.
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