Player hailed as ‘the best in the world’ by Messi is now ‘waiting’ for United’s call as £34m price tag set

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·14 juin 2025

Player hailed as ‘the best in the world’ by Messi is now ‘waiting’ for United’s call as £34m price tag set

Whilst not a priority, it’s thought Manchester United could pursue a shot-stopper this summer to finally rectify their 2023 acquisition of Andre Onana.

A centre-forward is indeed atop INEOS’ shortlist heading into the second stage of the transfer window, with alternatives currently being considered after first-choice target Liam Delap favoured a move to Chelsea.

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Still, if enough funds are raised through sales in the coming weeks, fans are expecting to see Onana and his backup, Altay Bayindir, replaced.

United shortlist Premier League-proven Emiliano Martinez

Martinez boasts an illustrious list of personal accolades, including the Yashin Trophy in 2022 and 2024. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

The question on supporters’ lips, however, is who will be brought in to fill in between the sticks from next season onwards?

One surprise name on the list — if latest reports are anything to go by, that is — is Emiliano Martinez, who, despite putting pen to paper on a five-year deal last August, bid a tearful goodbye to the Aston Villa faithful in the side’s final home game of the campaign.

Unai Emery was taken aback by the emotional display when pressed on the situation post-match, given he expects to have the ‘keeper at his disposal until 2029.

Villa outline demands for veteran Martinez

Villa are willing to sanction the World Cup winner’s exit if their price is met, though. £30-34 million is said to be the fee they could demand to cut ties with the 32-year-old, hailed as ‘the best goalkeeper in the world’ by compatriot Lionel Messi.

From United’s point of view, their interest in Martinez likely faltered when they witnessed his calamitous display on the final day of 2024/2025 at Old Trafford; he ran out of his area and clattered into Rasmus Hojlund before earning himself an early, first-half red card in what could well have been his last-ever game for the Midlands outfit.

According to Argentinian outlet Bolavip, he is now ‘waiting’ for a formal approach from the Red Devils.