Aston Villa Set to Win the Race to Sign 34-year-old Veteran – Report | OneFootball

Aston Villa Set to Sign Marco Bizot from Brest: What This Means for the Squad

Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Marco Bizot from Stade Brestois, as first reported by French outlet L’Équipe. The 34-year-old Dutch goalkeeper has been attracting interest from several clubs including Leeds, a Ligue 1 northern club, and even teams in Saudi Arabia. However, it is Villa who have moved decisively, with the Birmingham side reportedly sending a plane to Brest airport on Sunday to bring Bizot to England for contract talks.

This transfer comes at an intriguing moment for Villa, who are anticipating a reshuffle between the posts. While the expectation is that Bizot will initially act as a backup, there is growing speculation that Emiliano Martinez, Argentina’s World Cup-winning keeper, could be on his way out.

Bizot’s Time at Brest: A Legacy of Commitment

Since joining Brest in 2021, Bizot has made 148 appearances, conceded 213 goals and kept 40 clean sheets. His role in Brest’s historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League cannot be understated. According to L’Équipe, Bizot “had been a major contributor to Brest’s historic Champions League qualification” and his “performance XXL against PSV Eindhoven (1-0, 10 December in Guingamp)” earned him a glowing 9/10 rating.

Photo: IMAGO

The club’s fans recognised his importance. As L’Équipe noted, Bizot “had won the hearts of the Pirates,” and during his farewell match against Lille (2-0 on 10 May), the home crowd at Francis-Le Blé gave him a heartfelt send-off. His shirt was among the most popular in the club shop, only trailing those of Brendan Chardonnet and Pierre Lees-Melou.

Villa’s Goalkeeping Plans

While Bizot only had one year left on his contract, Brest began planning for his departure last January. For Villa, the signing raises questions about the future of Martinez, who has been “announced as on his way out” according to L’Équipe. If Martinez does indeed leave, Bizot could find himself stepping into a much larger role than initially expected.

Villa fans should see this as a calculated move. At 34, Bizot brings veteran experience, a strong presence in the box, and a proven record in top-flight European football. Whether as a backup or starter, his arrival strengthens Villa’s depth, particularly as the club juggles domestic commitments and European ambitions.

A Smart Move or a Stopgap?

There is debate among supporters about whether Bizot represents a long-term investment or simply a stopgap solution. However, his track record suggests he has more to offer than just bench-warming. His ambition to play at a higher level was clear, with L’Équipe reporting that “Bizot had expressed his desire to move elsewhere as early as last summer,” indicating a player motivated to prove himself in the Premier League.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Aston Villa fan’s perspective, this signing raises excitement and curiosity. On one hand, bringing in a keeper like Marco Bizot signals the club’s intent to maintain European-level quality in the squad. Bizot’s experience in Ligue 1 and his standout Champions League performances suggest Villa are not just adding a name, but real competition and depth.

Many Villa supporters will wonder if this move hints at Martinez’s impending departure. Losing a fan favourite and World Cup hero like Emi would be emotional, but football is ever-changing. Bizot’s arrival gives the club a safety net, and perhaps even a chance to reshape its style at the back. Fans will recall the nerves in recent seasons when Martinez was unavailable, and having an experienced European keeper like Bizot reduces that anxiety.

Moreover, Bizot’s character and passion have been widely praised. His farewell at Brest shows a player who connects with fans, and that matters in a club like Villa where supporters value heart and commitment. For many, this deal looks like smart planning rather than panic buying, and if Bizot gets his chance, Villa Park could soon be singing his name.