Manchester United’s hopes of signing Emi Martinez may have taken a major hit after Aston Villa eased financial pressure with a last-minute PSR loophole
Manchester United’s chances of signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez this summer could have taken a major hit following Aston Villa’s latest deal.
Unai Emery’s side had been at risk of breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), with the financial year ending on Sunday, June 30.
To avoid potential sanctions, such as the points deductions suffered by Everton and Nottingham Forest, Villa were reportedly considering player sales, including their star goalkeeper.
However, that pressure appears to have been eased. According to The Telegraph, Aston Villa have completed a deal that will see 10% of their women’s team sold to external investors for around £5.5 million. The remaining 90% will be sold to the club’s holding company.
It’s a move reminiscent of Chelsea’s recent PSR strategy, in which they sold their women’s team to their parent group, BlueCo, helping them generate up to £200 million in accounting value. Villa’s arrangement is expected to raise around £55 million on paper – a crucial boost that could keep them compliant.
This development could have major implications for Martinez’s future. With financial pressure now alleviated, Villa may be in a stronger position to hold onto the Argentine or demand a much higher fee.
The Manchester Evening News understands that current United No.1 Andre Onana is expected to remain at the club, but a string of high-profile errors last season has sparked speculation that new manager Ruben Amorim could look for a new first-choice keeper.
Earlier this week, The Mirror revealed that while Chelsea had been offered the chance to sign Martinez, the 31-year-old preferred a move to Old Trafford. A transfer fee between £30 and £40 million had been suggested.
This price tag now may no longer be realistic following Villa’s improved financial standing. In fact, Villa could choose not to sell Martinez at all. His contract runs until 2029, and the club are under no obligation to let him go.
Martinez was a key figure in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and has also lifted two Copa America titles. At club level, he has won back-to-back Yashin Trophy awards – handed to the world’s best goalkeeper – and secured the 2024/25 Premier League Save of the Season.
For now, though, Manchester United’s pursuit of Martinez is up in the air, and Villa’s smart financial manoeuvring may have closed the door altogether.
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