Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, faces a challenging period despite his team sitting third in the Premier League. Fans and pundits link his dip in form to his failed transfer to Manchester United during the 2025 summer window.
At Villa Park, every matchday introduces Martinez as the team’s number one goalkeeper. Villa highlights his credentials as a World Cup winner and a two-time Yashin Trophy recipient. These honors underline his status as one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
Since missing the move to Manchester United, Martinez has drawn increasing scrutiny. Villa performs well in the league and Europa League, yet his mistakes have sparked doubts about his reliability in crucial matches.
Martinez’s Premier League Milestones and Current Form
Martinez reached his 200th Premier League appearance for Aston Villa during a 2-0 win against Newcastle United. He has recorded 59 clean sheets in the league. At 33, he shows some signs of decline, though he remains a top performer for Villa.
Martinez joined Aston Villa from Arsenal in 2020 for £17 million. He quickly became a key player. This season, however, cracks appear in his performances. Observers believe that failing to move to Manchester United might have affected his confidence. During Villa’s last home game against Tottenham last season, Martinez even appeared emotional, as if saying goodbye.
Villa considered selling him and scouted Mark Flekken from Brentford. However, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim could not finalize the deal. United’s internal reports preferred Senne Lammens as a longer-term investment, both financially and strategically.
Amorim focused on attacking signings, bringing Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbuemo, and the Martinez transfer was abandoned.
Strong Stats But Key Errors
Martinez missed Villa’s squad for the 0-3 loss against Crystal Palace on August 31, a day before the transfer window closed. Backup goalkeeper Marco Bizot started instead. He returned after the international break in a 0-0 draw with Everton on September 13. Manager Unai Emery called him the best goalkeeper in the world and praised his commitment to Aston Villa.
Statistically, Martinez remains strong. He holds a 76.1% save ratio, the highest in the league, and ranks fifth in Opta’s goals prevented with 17. He has made 55 saves this season, with an expected goals on target conceded (xGOT) of 20.85.
Villa conceded 25 goals, but eight happened when Bizot played. Martinez’s three errors directly led to goals, the highest in the Premier League. The most notable mistake occurred at Anfield in November 2025, when Mohamed Salah intercepted his pass and scored. Similar errors happened against Arsenal and Everton, increasing the scrutiny on him.
Confidence Drives Goalkeeper Performance
Martinez remains Emery’s first-choice goalkeeper, despite missing Villa’s 1-0 win over Fenerbahce in the Europa League due to a calf injury. Bizot, despite five clean sheets, is not a long-term solution. Martinez’s future may involve Inter Milan, and Aston Villa will evaluate him during the next summer window.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained the importance of confidence for goalkeepers. “You know first when you don’t play well,” Robinson said. “Goalkeepers must remain calm and confident, no matter what. You cannot lose that image anywhere on the pitch.”
Robinson added that speculation about Martinez has lasted a long time. “Rumors never fully disappear. He’s a high-quality goalkeeper. I’m not sure he is the world’s best, but if Villa want to sell or he wants to leave, the club faces a real problem.”
With a contract until 2029, Emiliano Martinez’s future at Aston Villa is approaching a critical moment. The club and player must decide whether he remains a central figure or seeks a new challenge next summer.
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