Aston Villa Lost This 26-Year-Old Signing Due To Emiliano Martinez: Is This A Big Setback For The Lions? | OneFootball

A report from Fichajes revealed that Aston Villa had a chance to sign Diogo Costa on the Deadline day of the summer transfer window. The Birmingham-based club had plans for the young goalkeeper from FC Porto, but the deal was put on hold after the sale of Emiliano Martinez failed to materialise.

Interestingly, Manchester United once again showed interest in Martinez on deadline day. The Red Devils were looking to bring in the Argentine goalkeeper in the summer as well, and their haste to find a new goalkeeper on the last day created the picture of a potential deal.

However, in the end, Villa were unable to sell their main goalkeeper, leaving Diogo Costa’s transfer only a possibility. This is the same Aston Villa that lost Jaydee Canvot to Crystal Palace in the summer, and now another opportunity has slipped away.

Is this a big setback for Aston Villa?

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 19: Diogo Costa #99 of FC Porto arrives at the stadium prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between Internacional CF Miami and FC Porto at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 19, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The question now is whether this is a good situation for Aston Villa or a cause for concern. On one hand, a talented young goalkeeper like Diogo Costa could join the team, and on the other hand, retaining Emiliano Martinez would still give the club a world-class option. However, the story is not so simple. Reports have indicated that Martinez wanted to leave the club, and if that thought has set in, it could cause a big headache for Unai Emery.

Emery is an experienced manager who knows how to balance the morale of players. It will be interesting to see how he reintegrates Martinez into the squad. If the Argentine goalkeeper remains fully committed and reproduces his best form, Villa may have a manageable situation.

However, if his mind wanders, it could disrupt the team’s momentum. The market remains limited until January and may have to rely on an option like Marco Bizot, who has not shown consistency yet. So it would be best if Martinez plays for the club wholeheartedly at least until the summer.

Otherwise, the matter could lead to locker room tensions and a new search mid-season. It would not be wrong to say that Aston Villa have taken a step back in preparing for the future, but at present, they still have a pillar of trust.