- Man Utd eye back-up Martinez deal
- Lammens remains goalkeeper priority
- Bad news for Onana & Bayindir
According to Fabrizio Romano United have been in touch with both Aston VIlla and Martinez himself about a possible Old Trafford switch before Monday’s deadline. The Argentina international has started the season with Villa as normal, despite appearing to bid farewell to fans at the end of last season, after it was reported he had decided to leave.
Talks over a deal for Royal Antwerp‘s Senne Lammens are also still ongoing, Romano adds. But it seems that United are arming themselves against that move potentially collapsing by having an alternative ready to go. This all stems from an apparent dissatisfaction with current goalkeeping options. Andre Onana is yet to feature in the Premier League this season and tellingly returned to the bench following his appearance in the Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town. Altay Bayindir has been getting the nod instead but has struggled to look commanding.
Martinez is the only person to win the Yashin Trophy, part of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, and Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper twice each. He is also the current holder of both awards, having picked up his latest individual accolades in 2024.
Everything could depend on how United progress with Lammens on Sunday, going into deadline day on Monday. If that deal doesn’t appear to be doable, at what point do club officials then give up and switch full focus to Martinez instead? Villa signed former Brest No. 1 Marco Bizot during the summer and the veteran Dutchman deputised when Martinez was suspended on the opening day of the season. They might not therefore be under pressure to source a new starter, which could make it easier to prise Martinez away.
