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Aston Villa Face Saudi Interest in Emiliano Martinez and Leon Bailey

The summer transfer window is approaching and Aston Villa are once again preparing for interest from Saudi Arabia. According to The Telegraph, World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and winger Leon Bailey are the latest Villa players to attract serious attention from the Saudi Pro League.

Saudi Clubs Target Villa’s Key Names

Securing Martinez would be a major coup for Saudi football. The 32-year-old has won the Yashin Trophy for the past two years and was named FIFA’s goalkeeper of the year in 2022. That was also the year he lifted the World Cup with Argentina, cementing his reputation as one of the finest goalkeepers in the game.

Yet The Telegraph report that his form has been inconsistent this season, despite standout displays such as the 1-0 Champions League win over Bayern Munich. His contract runs until 2029, but he remains one of Villa’s highest earners, and that makes him vulnerable if Saudi clubs place a substantial bid.

Photo: IMAGO

Bailey’s situation is more straightforward. Signed for £25 million in 2021, the Jamaican international has struggled for a regular starting role under Unai Emery. “Villa are expected to listen to offers for Bailey this summer after the winger fell down manager Unai Emery’s pecking order,” wrote The Telegraph.

Balancing Finances and Squad Building

Villa have already sold Moussa Diaby and Jhon Duran to Saudi sides in recent windows to help comply with Premier League and UEFA financial rules. That pragmatic approach is expected to continue, regardless of Champions League qualification. The Telegraph note that “it is anticipated that, regardless of whether the club qualifies for the Champions League, Villa will sell players this summer to help juggle financial rules while trying to improve the squad.”

There have been hints that Villa are preparing for life after Martinez. Reports in Spain suggest they are monitoring Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, whose contract includes a £21 million release clause. This forward planning indicates Emery and Monchi are conscious of the need for fresh faces even if star names depart.

Boyomo Emerges as a Defensive Target

While Saudi clubs circle Martinez and Bailey, Villa are also moving for reinforcements. “Villa are also looking at Osasuna centre-back Enzo Boyomo as a potential £21.25 million summer signing to bolster Emery’s squad for a Champions League push next season,” The Telegraph revealed.

Boyomo, 23, has impressed in La Liga after joining Osasuna from Valladolid last summer. With Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings forming Villa’s defensive core, Boyomo would add depth and competition. His background includes time at Blackburn Rovers’ academy and spells at Albacete and Valladolid, giving him experience across different levels of European football.

Photo IMAGO

Villa’s Spanish Influence

Villa’s success has carried a distinct Spanish touch. Emery has guided the club back into Europe, while Monchi has overseen recruitment with a strong La Liga emphasis. Players like Pau Torres and Marco Asensio have already brought quality and pedigree to Villa Park. Boyomo’s addition would continue that trend, signalling that Villa are intent on blending financial pragmatism with squad improvement as they look ahead to another challenging campaign.

For Villa fans, the next few months will test both loyalty and ambition. Martinez and Bailey could depart if the right bids land, but the pursuit of Boyomo and others shows a club striving to remain competitive at the top table of English and European football.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Villa fans, reports of Saudi interest in Emiliano Martinez are both unsettling and inevitable. Martinez has been central to the club’s progress, providing leadership and world-class saves on the biggest stage. Many supporters will remember his heroics against Bayern Munich as a reminder of why he is irreplaceable. Yet there is also a recognition that his wages and contract length make him a prime candidate if the club are forced into sales to balance the books.

Leon Bailey’s potential exit feels less dramatic. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his pace and dribbling, his inconsistency has been frustrating. If a Saudi bid arrives, most fans would accept the move as long as Villa reinvest wisely.

The link with Enzo Boyomo gives hope that Emery is planning ahead. Villa fans will take encouragement from his La Liga record and his age profile, fitting the vision of building for both now and the future. If the club can manage departures without weakening the core, supporters will remain optimistic. Champions League football offers an incredible platform, and Villa must ensure they retain enough quality to compete at that level.