In an unexpected turn of events that sent shockwaves through the football world, Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signature of Emiliano Martínez. The move comes after the Red Devils unearthed a little-known £21.6 million release clause buried in the goalkeeper’s contract at Aston Villa. With manager Rúben Amorim reportedly giving his full approval, negotiations have picked up serious speed, catching fans and pundits completely off guard.
Martínez, the fiery Argentine shot-stopper who was instrumental in his country’s 2022 World Cup glory, has been under Manchester United’s radar for some time. Earlier in the summer, Villa were said to be asking for a steep fee—somewhere between £40 and £50 million—effectively killing any potential deal. That is, until United’s backroom legal team did a little deep digging and discovered the secret escape route.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the clause allows Martínez to leave the club for just £21.6 million, provided certain criteria are fulfilled — criteria that, as of this week, have officially been triggered. This sudden revelation has blown the doors wide open for the move to materialize far quicker than anyone anticipated.
In conversations with close friends, Martínez reportedly opened up about his desire to wear the red jersey: “I’ve always dreamed of playing for a global giant. This is the right time to turn the page — United is the kind of club you don’t say no to.” His ambition to scale greater heights clearly aligns with the Red Devils’ current rebuilding project.
Of course, the looming question now is: what does this mean for André Onana? The Cameroonian keeper, who had a bumpy first season at Old Trafford, might soon be looking over his shoulder. Amorim is said to favor intense competition for every position, and bringing Martínez in could either elevate Onana’s performance or push him out of the door entirely if the right offer lands.
Martínez’s discontent with Aston Villa’s lack of European ambition has also reportedly played a major role in this decision. Those close to him say he’s grown restless and hungry for top-tier silverware. With United aiming to bounce back as a European powerhouse, the stars seem to be aligning perfectly for this change.
As far as logistics go, the deal appears to be nearing the finish line. Personal terms between Martínez and United have already been settled, removing one of the most common stumbling blocks. The club is now expected to formally trigger the release clause in the coming days, with medical tests likely to follow swiftly after.
If this all plays out as expected, Manchester United might just have pulled off one of the smartest and most cost-effective transfers of the summer window. For now, fans are holding their breath — but all signs point to a massive shakeup between the goalposts at Old Trafford.