Martinez “Goodbyes” Makes Kelleher’s Signing “Priority” For Aston Villa | OneFootball

Emotional farewell hints at Martinez departure

When Emiliano Martinez walked off the pitch at Villa Park after Aston Villa’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, the emotional scenes said more than any statement could. Tearful and waving to supporters, the Argentine appeared to signal the end of a storied chapter with the club.

“He’s been a good character, obviously some people like him, he can obviously be annoying sometimes, some of his antics,” Roy Keane told Sky Sports. “But he’s been a great signing for them. He’d be a big loss to them because it does look like he’s saying his goodbyes.”

Since arriving from Arsenal in 2020, Martinez has been a transformative figure at Villa. With 211 appearances, a World Cup winner’s medal, and two Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper awards to his name, he’s left a significant legacy. While this season brought its share of inconsistency, there was never a major call for his departure among the fans.

However, growing speculation suggests Martinez is being lured to Saudi Arabia, and financial considerations under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) might push Villa to sell. Manager Unai Emery’s comment – “we will see” – was deliberately non-committal, though hardly reassuring.

Photo: IMAGO

Replacing a club icon is no easy task

There is no sugar-coating the challenge Aston Villa now face. Martinez has become a central figure in the club’s resurgence, his penalty saves against Lille in last season’s Europa Conference League clash becoming the stuff of legend.

With European football back on the horizon and Villa keen to consolidate their top-four ambitions, a dependable replacement is essential. Martinez offered calm, consistency, and character – attributes that cannot be easily replicated.

While reports have linked Villa to Espanyol’s Joan Garcia – a talent also watched by Barcelona and Real Madrid – Emery may prefer a more Premier League-ready option.

Kelleher emerges as leading candidate

That leads us to Caoimhin Kelleher. The Republic of Ireland international has long been regarded as one of the Premier League’s best backup goalkeepers. His performances for Liverpool, especially in domestic cups, have drawn praise, but his path to a starting spot at Anfield remains blocked.

“I’ve made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a number one and play week in, week out,” Kelleher said earlier this season.

With Giorgi Mamardashvili expected to arrive at Liverpool this summer, Kelleher’s exit appears imminent. His valuation, reportedly around £40 million, reflects his potential and Premier League experience.

Fierce competition for Kelleher’s signature

Should Aston Villa make their interest concrete, they won’t be alone. Chelsea, Newcastle, and Manchester United have all been linked to Kelleher, while Bournemouth are said to be confident of securing his services. West Ham, Leeds United, and Nottingham Forest have also surfaced as contenders.

But Villa can offer something others can’t – a genuine vacancy in goal and the prospect of European football. With Martinez likely moving on, the number one shirt is up for grabs. For Kelleher, the chance to join an ambitious, upwardly mobile side like Villa may prove irresistible.

In the end, it’s a situation that could work for all involved. Martinez gets his high-profile move, Villa meet their PSR obligations while avoiding sales of younger assets, and Kelleher finally earns the starting role he’s been waiting for.