Aston Villa have endured a horrible start to 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a solitary draw from their first three league games.
Unai Emery’s men who reached the Champions League quarterfinal last season failed to sign top talents due to PSR constraints in the summer transfer window.
There were also uncertainty over Emi Martinez’s future as he had apparently told his goodbyes and was also emotional after his last game at Villa Park
The Argentina international was heavily linked with an exit as Manchester United were interested in him, but they eventually decided to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.
The veteran goalkeeper expected to move on from Villa even on the deadline day and therefore Marco Bizot was preferred over him in a 3-0 defeat against Crystal Palace.
Now, with Martinez staying at Aston Villa, Emery is delighted as he is expected to replace Bizot in goal in their away trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium against Everton.
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What did Unai Emery say about Martinez staying at Aston Villa?
The 33-year-old played a big role in helping Aston Villa finish sixth in the points table hence qualifying for the Europa League.
The World Cup winner also delivered some exceptional performances in Villa’s run to the quarterfinals of the Champions League last season.
Therefore, Emery hails him as the best goalkeeper in the world and believes that his commitment to Villa is massive.
“Everything happens with players, maybe staying, maybe they were close to leaving, maybe other players were close to others or to join us,” said Emery at the press conference ahead of the Everton clash.
“It’s normal. I understand it. Staying here is good news, I am so, so happy. He is the best goalkeeper in the world. His commitment to Aston Villa is massive.
“He is always training to get his best, respecting Aston Villa. Emi is happy and now he knows his challenge is with Aston Villa and his national team.”
Villa have also made a couple of deadline day signings in Jadon Sancho, Harvey Elliott and Victor Lindelof. While the last two players are available for selection against Everton while Sancho needs to be eased in.
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