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Scaloni shares insight on Emiliano Martinez after failed Man Utd move as Aston Villa future faces uncertainty

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has provided an update on Emiliano Martinez’s state of mind following the Aston Villa goalkeeper’s collapsed deadline-day transfer to Manchester United.

The World Cup-winning shot-stopper had agreed personal terms with United, who were desperate to secure a new first-choice goalkeeper after Ederson’s departure from Manchester City left the Premier League market in motion. However, Erik ten Hag’s successor, Ruben Amorim, turned instead to Belgian keeper Senne Lammens, completing an £18 million (€21m/$24.5m) deal with Royal Antwerp.

Speaking ahead of Argentina’s opening 2026 World Cup qualifier against Venezuela, Scaloni stressed that Martinez remains positive despite the setback:

“I saw Emiliano in good spirits. His transfer didn’t happen, but yesterday was his birthday and he looked happy. Of course, any player would be excited about a move to Manchester United, but he’s already focused on Argentina and Aston Villa. He’s a positive lad who knows what matters most right now.”

The uncertainty now lies at club level. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has hinted that Marco Bizot, signed earlier this summer, will step into the role of first-choice goalkeeper. Martinez, twice a Yashin Trophy winner and a hero in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar 2022, missed Villa’s opening fixture due to suspension and was also left out of the squad in the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Despite being linked with Galatasaray, Martinez has so far resisted any move outside England. His international future, however, appears unaffected. Scaloni underlined that Argentina will continue to rely on the 32-year-old:

“Why should I worry now? He may be lacking minutes, but he’s still one of the best. For us, he remains the same player.”

Martinez is set to start in Thursday’s qualifier against Venezuela before facing Ecuador five days later. Villa, meanwhile, return to Premier League duty after the international break with a clash against Everton on September 13—a fixture that may shed light on Martinez’s role in Emery’s plans.

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