Manchester United are weighing up a swap deal involving players for Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to reports. This strategic move comes as the club prioritizes strengthening their attacking options.
United eyeing swap deal for Martinez as striker search intensifies
The Red Devils are exploring a player-plus-cash approach to sign Emiliano Martinez, with a new striker being the club’s top priority.
- Manchester United are considering a swap deal for Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
- The club’s primary transfer focus remains on signing a new striker.
- A hamstring injury to Andre Onana has heightened United’s goalkeeping concerns.
- Martinez is reportedly keen on a move to Old Trafford.
The intensified focus on goalkeeping options follows Andre Onana’s hamstring injury, which ruled him out of the United States pre-season tour. Even before this, the club was considering a new goalkeeper in light of Onana’s inconsistent performances last season. Now, there’s a clearer justification for seeking an upgrade.
Emiliano Martinez, a 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina, possesses significant Premier League experience, making him an attractive prospect. Aston Villa still has the 32-year-old under contract until 2029, but Martinez is understood to be open to a move to Manchester United.
Trusted reporter Fabrizio Romano shared insights into United’s internal discussions regarding Martinez. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that United is contemplating a swap deal to avoid spending fresh funds, which would then be allocated to signing a new striker.
“The new striker is something really important for Manchester United; they want to bring in an important striker,” Romano explained. “Then, for the goalkeeper, Man Utd want to understand financially what can happen: if they have to bring in, if they want, a young goalkeeper. Maybe staying with the current goalkeepers is also an option.”
Romano added that the club is evaluating options for either a young goalkeeper or an experienced one like Martinez. “I can tell you that for Dibu Martinez, the idea at Manchester United was to discuss maybe a swap deal with Aston Villa, so not spending any fresh money on the deal, to save the money for the striker, but maybe discuss a potential swap deal.”
Currently, club-to-club talks have not commenced, and Manchester United has yet to approach Aston Villa. However, internal deliberations are underway regarding the possibility of offering players in exchange for Martinez. The feasibility of such a deal hinges on Aston Villa’s valuation of players and their willingness to negotiate, making it a complex proposition.
“At the moment, what I’m hearing is that club-to-club talks have not started yet. Man Utd have still not approached Aston Villa. But internally, the consideration is maybe to offer players as part of the conversation for Dibu Martinez,” Romano stated. “Then there is the decision of Aston Villa, the valuation of the players; it’s not an easy topic. It’s not something done or close or advanced at this stage. At the moment, it’s only an internal conversation.”
The interest in Martinez stems partly from the knowledge that the goalkeeper himself is keen on a transfer to Old Trafford. United’s financial strategy is crucial here, as significant outgoings are needed following substantial investments in players like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Potential swap candidates for Martinez
Romano did not specify which players Manchester United might offer in a swap deal. However, Aston Villa previously had Marcus Rashford on loan for the latter half of the previous season, during which he scored four goals and provided six assists in 17 appearances. Villa opted not to exercise their £40 million option to buy Rashford permanently.
Rashford is among the players Manchester United is reportedly open to selling. Other potential departures include Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho. Recent reports suggest Aston Villa holds an interest in Garnacho, and earlier this month, it was reported they were also in contention for Sancho.
Details regarding specific player proposals and any necessary financial adjustments between the clubs remain unconfirmed.
Romano had previously confirmed that discussions had taken place between Manchester United and Martinez’s representatives. He stated, “Manchester United have not made any bid. Aston Villa sources also guarantee that they’ve not received any official bid from Man Utd.”
“Man Utd spoke to Martinez’s representatives several times to be informed about the situation of the player. But this already happened in June, it’s not yesterday or today or this week. In June they had conversations about the situation of Emi Martinez,” Romano clarified.
Regarding Onana’s injury, Romano noted, “Now Andre Onana is injured, but it’s not a super long injury; his recovery is a matter of weeks.” He concluded by reiterating that club-to-club negotiations have not begun but that Manchester United is aware of Martinez’s situation. The goalkeeper is reportedly open to joining, even without European football this season.
Striker search gaining momentum
In parallel, Manchester United is reportedly intensifying their pursuit of striker Benjamin Sesko. Sesko was a target for Arsenal, who have now opted for Viktor Gyokeres. Manchester United’s interest in Sesko has been revived, with details regarding his potential transfer fee emerging.
Meanwhile, Manchester United has been approached by a club interested in signing Rasmus Hojlund, who may be the player to make way if a new striker arrives. Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were key attacking options last season, but Hojlund has faced challenges in consistently proving himself.
Elsewhere, reports indicate that Manchester United has reached a verbal agreement for a LaLiga midfielder.
Andre Onana and Emiliano Martinez stats comparison from the 2024-25 Premier League season
Comparing their 2024-25 Premier League stats, Martinez made 37 appearances, conceding 45 goals, making 100 saves, and achieving an 8% higher passing accuracy (77%) than Onana, who conceded 44 goals in 34 appearances and made 90 saves with a 69.8% passing accuracy.
