‘I can tell you…’: Romano drops seismic Man Utd swap deal claim over ‘unbelievable’ PL star who’s ‘keen’ on move

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·19 juillet 2025

‘I can tell you…’: Romano drops seismic Man Utd swap deal claim over ‘unbelievable’ PL star who’s ‘keen’ on move

Manchester United are now considering all potential options to bring Emiliano Martinez to Old Trafford.

Whilst not their current priority in the way a striker is, the Red Devils are certainly open to the prospect of signing a new shot-stopper in the aftermath of another torrid campaign with Andre Onana between the sticks.

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With funds incredibly limited following their 15th-placed finish and Europa League final defeat, a swap deal would appeal to INEOS chiefs if one can be agreed.

United and Emiliano Martinez: The state of play

Martinez was shown a straight red against United on the last day of the campaign for clattering into Rasmus Hojlund. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

United have been linked with Martinez on countless occasions since 2024/2025 drew to a close, despite the ‘unbelievable’ 32-year-old being contracted to Aston Villa until 2029.

Reports in his native Argentina went as far as claiming the Reds had discovered a secret £21.1 million release clause in his contract that they were willing to activate – albeit paying slightly over the odds in order to complete a deal in instalments. However, there has been little in England to verify such murmurings.

Instead, Fabrizio Romano has revealed they would be open to sending one of their players to Villa Park in order to welcome the experienced shot-stopper in return.

What Romano has said about Martinez

Presumably, their first point of call would be selling Onana, but he has yet to garner any concrete interest from potential suitors.

Martinez has accumulated 212 appearances for the Villans over the last five years, keeping an impressive 70 clean sheets. In comparison, Onana has played two full seasons with United as their No.1, playing 101 matches and keeping 24 clean sheets.

Weighing in on the situation on his YouTube channel, Romano informed fans of both teams: “For the goalkeeper, Man United want to understand financially what can happen. If they want to bring in a young goalkeeper and maybe stay with the current ‘keeper, that is also an option.

“I can tell you that for Dibu Martinez, the idea at United was to discuss maybe a swap deal, so not spending any fresh money on the deal to save the money for a striker. But maybe a potential swap deal.”

He goes on to explain that while club-to-club talks have not taken place just yet, United are ‘aware that Dibu Martinez will be very keen’ on a move to M16.