The £20m genius signing Man Utd could now make as bombshell transfer decision set to free top target
Manchester United may be set for some major business in the January transfer window
The January transfer window is fast approaching, and Manchester United may look to get some more business over the line as Ruben Amorim’s side hope to maintain a European push come the end of the season.
The Red Devils are currently in and amongst the upper reaches of the Premier League table and will look to continue that record after the good early form of new signings such as Bryan Mbeumo, who won the Premier League Player of the Month for October.
Head coach Amorim winning the division’s managerial gong for the same month represented a powerful double-victory which evidenced the progress United are making in the right direction, after a difficult first season under the Portuguese.
They could look to strengthen further in January, amidst reports that a former top target could be available for transfer once again after an initial move failed to be agreed in the summer window.
Aston Villa prepared to sell Emiliano Martinez in January
According to reports by Football Insider, Aston Villa are ‘willing to accept’ offers for Emiliano Martinez in January and may ultimately part ways with the Argentina goalkeeper after a deadline-day move to Old Trafford fell through.
Unai Emery and Villa’s recruitment team are ‘exploring other options’ including James Trafford as the long-term solution to replace Martinez, who was close to leaving the club and was reportedly ‘disappointed’ when a move to United did not go through, leading to Emery stripping him of his vice-captaincy at the club.
World Cup winner Martinez has made 223 appearances for Villa since he signed as their new No.1 for £20 million in 2020, but his rumoured departure could open the door for United to return with another swoop for the 33-year-old, who has been named the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper on two occasions during his time at Villa Park and has also won the Yashin Trophy twice.
Man United could swoop to secure top target Martinez this time around
Previous reports in October suggested that United were keeping tabs on Martinez and ‘considering’ a return for his signing, with a mid-season departure from Villa Park now looking more of a distinct possibility.
Martinez has shown his goalkeeping quality, experience and ability to deliver in the biggest moments for both Villa and Argentina in recent years, and no doubt still has what it takes to help the Red Devils reach a new level if he were to arrive at Old Trafford.
What the potential arrival of Martinez would do for the future of Senne Lammens is unclear, but it could add some healthy competition between the sticks with both ‘keepers looking to be on the very top of their game. Moreover, Martinez’s international trophy-winning experience could prove vital to the changing room, and the Red Devils would be wary of seeing one of their top targets get away and go to a rival club.
United’s Amorim project is still in its infancy, and Martinez has evidently been seen as a transfer target capable of turning the needle and inspiring a change in the culture at the club. Whether the Red Devils make a January move for the Argentine will be fascinating to see.