Aston Villa Close in on Joan García with Martínez Departure Looming

Aston Villa Close in on Joan García with Martínez Departure Looming

 

Aston Villa appear set to make a major move in the summer transfer window as they close in on the signing of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García, with signs pointing increasingly toward the departure of their current first-choice stopper, Emiliano Martínez. The development signals the beginning of a potentially transformative chapter in Villa’s goalkeeping department, a move that could define the club’s ambitions under Unai Emery ahead of what promises to be another fiercely competitive Premier League campaign.

 

Joan García, one of La Liga’s standout performers in the 2024–25 season, has quickly risen to prominence in European football. The 24-year-old Spaniard has established himself as a reliable last line of defence for Espanyol, showcasing remarkable reflexes, calmness under pressure, and superb shot-stopping abilities. His performances this season have been nothing short of sensational, helping Espanyol defy expectations and push into the upper reaches of the Spanish top flight. His league-leading save percentage of 73.4% and an average of 3.9 saves per 90 minutes placed him among the elite in his position, attracting the attention of scouts across Europe.

 

Aston Villa’s interest in García has been no secret, with reports suggesting that sporting director Monchi — who previously observed García during his tenure at Sevilla — has been a key driving force behind the pursuit. Monchi, renowned for his keen eye for emerging talent, has reportedly identified García as the ideal successor to Martínez. He is said to be impressed not only by the Spaniard’s raw goalkeeping talent but also by his distribution skills, ability to play out from the back, and intelligence in one-on-one scenarios — all attributes Emery is believed to value highly in a modern keeper.

 

Unai Emery himself has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for García’s potential arrival. The Villa boss, who has worked extensively within Spanish football and maintains strong ties to the La Liga scouting network, has reportedly held conversations with the player and his representatives. Those discussions, according to sources close to the negotiations, were extremely positive. Villa’s Spanish contingent, both on and off the pitch, is believed to be playing a vital role in convincing García to choose Villa Park over a host of other suitors.

 

Indeed, the competition for García’s signature has been fierce. Clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen, and AC Milan have all shown interest in the young goalkeeper. Arsenal, in particular, are reportedly in the market for a long-term challenger to David Raya, while Barcelona continue to seek a successor to Marc-André ter Stegen in the longer term. Despite this, Villa’s appeal lies in the promise of first-team football, a competitive project, and the backing of a manager who has demonstrated his trust in young players throughout his career.

 

The financial details of the proposed deal are beginning to take shape. García is believed to have a release clause of around €25 million, with performance-based add-ons potentially raising the total fee to near €30 million. Villa are reportedly prepared to trigger this clause, making García one of the most expensive goalkeeping acquisitions in the club’s history — a clear statement of intent. His arrival, should it be completed in the coming weeks, would not only reinforce Villa’s goalkeeping ranks but also underscore the club’s ambition to continue competing in the upper echelons of English and European football.

 

The looming departure of Emiliano Martínez adds an emotional layer to Villa’s goalkeeping transition. The Argentine international, who joined Villa from Arsenal in 2020 for a reported £17 million, has become a cult hero at Villa Park. Known for his passionate displays, penalty-saving prowess, and leadership from the back, Martínez has been central to Villa’s resurgence in recent years. His performances during the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons helped re-establish Villa as a top-half Premier League side, while his World Cup heroics with Argentina in Qatar further elevated his global reputation.

 

However, the signs of an impending exit have grown more obvious in recent months. Martínez, now 32, is said to be seeking a new challenge — potentially in the UEFA Champions League — and has attracted attention from top clubs across Europe and the Middle East. Manchester United, long rumoured to be in the market for a new goalkeeper, have expressed interest. Barcelona are also monitoring the situation, as are Saudi Pro League outfits who are reportedly prepared to offer Martínez a significant financial package. Villa, meanwhile, are thought to have placed a £30 million valuation on their goalkeeper and are open to offers that meet their asking price.

 

Martínez’s emotional reaction following Villa’s recent 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur was interpreted by many as a potential farewell. The goalkeeper, visibly moved during the lap of appreciation at Villa Park, appeared to acknowledge the fans with a wave and a prolonged salute — leading supporters to speculate that his time at the club might be drawing to a close. That moment came just weeks after his red card against Manchester United, a match in which Villa’s hopes of Champions League qualification were effectively dashed. Whether coincidental or symbolic, the timing of both events has intensified speculation.

 

Should Martínez indeed depart, his legacy at Villa is secure. He leaves as one of the club’s most influential players of the modern era — a reliable presence between the posts, a leader in the dressing room, and a player who helped restore pride to a storied football institution. But Villa’s decision to act swiftly in pursuing García is also a testament to their growing maturity as a club. Rather than wait to replace an outgoing star, they are looking to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring continuity and long-term planning.

 

For García, the move to the Premier League represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Adapting to the intensity and physicality of English football will require time, and comparisons to Martínez will be inevitable. But Villa’s coaching staff are believed to be confident in his character and potential. At just 24, García’s ceiling remains high, and under Emery’s guidance, he could develop into one of Europe’s most complete goalkeepers.

 

The coming weeks are expected to be pivotal. Villa are believed to be finalizing terms with García’s representatives, and a formal announcement could follow swiftly once the transfer window officially opens. The club also remains in discussions with several suitors for Martínez, with hopes of concluding his exit on amicable terms that respect his contribution.

 

In the end, Villa’s potential goalkeeping shuffle encapsulates their broader evolution. No longer content to simply hold ground in the Premier League, they are building a squad capable of challenging for European honours and sustaining top-six finishes. The likely acquisition of Joan García, combined with the expected departure of Emiliano Martínez, marks not just the end of one era — but the ambitious beginning of another.