Should Villa sell 'one of the crown jewels'?
"Emi Martinez speculation continues," announces the Aston Villa page of the Express & Star's website, which also carries two photographs of Martinez with his young family, apparently taken just a few hours apart. In one, all are beaming, at the grand opening of Mrs Martinez's new shop in Tamworth. In the other, they are taking in the adulation of the Villa fans after their final home game on Friday night, with Martinez looking wistfully into the stands. Seconds earlier, he had been seen apparently wiping away tears. Could this have been a farewell? Does this look to you like a family about to move to Saudi Arabia, or anywhere?Speculation is the way we pass the time until facts become clear and the biggest unknown variable in this situation is whether Villa will qualify for the Champions League next season.We might argue that Villa's needs for next season might not differ much either way. Their squad requires refreshment not wholesale upgrade. They proved competitive at the highest level, gave overall favourites Paris St-Germain a serious fright, and lasted longer in the Champions League than the Premier League champions.You can never have too many good players, but if Villa only end up replacing any departures with players of similar standard - younger, perhaps - there is every reason to think they can be equally competitive again. Ensuring sufficient squad depth would be important, especially if they go into the Europa or Conference Leagues, where they might play even more games, given the performance of English clubs this season.But there is no doubt that being in the Champions League would strengthen their position in two important ways: obvious financial muscle and football status. Being a Champions League club undoubtedly makes Villa more attractive to ambitious new players while their current squad, now proven at that level, surely want to stay there.Mindful of PSR regulations and how close Villa have had to operate to the line, this might mean some football realpolitik. Few will want a crown jewel like Martinez to go, just as there was disappointment when Villa sold Douglas Luiz last year. But, especially if they remain still sixth after Sunday, it may be that Villa's long-term interest will be better served by selling a player at their peak, and betting on their proven ability to effectively reinvest the proceeds.Would selling Martinez be a wise idea? Let us knowListen to full commentary of Manchester United v Aston Villa at 16:00 BST on Sunday on BBC Radio WM [95.6FM/DAB Birmingham/Freeview]Tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
7 minutes ago
- Metro
'I would love that' - Liverpool urged to hijack £60m Manchester United transfer
Emile Heskey wants Liverpool to hijack a Manchester United transfer deal as the Reds look to bolster Arne Slot's squad this summer. Liverpool have already signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and are closing in on a huge deal for his former teammate Florian Wirtz. The Anfield club are also pushing to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth and want to sign another attacker to strengthen Slot's attacking firepower. Liverpool won the Premier League by ten points last season but know reinforcements are needed ahead of their title defence with Manchester City expected to come back stronger and Arsenal well-placed for another title tilt. At the other end of the table, Manchester United made Matheus Cunha their first summer signing and are now working on a deal for Bryan Mbeumo. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Mbeumo has verbally agreed a move to Old Trafford but United are yet to meet Brentford's £60m valuation for a player who scored 20 Premier League goals last season. The Cameroon international was linked with Tottenham and Newcastle United before Manchester United emerged as the frontrunners to secure his signature. But Heskey wishes Mbeumo was heading for his former club Liverpool, insisting he would have been a perfect addition to Slot's squad. 'It's hard to ever say Liverpool make mistakes in the market, because their strategy is usually just so solid,' the former England striker told Prime Casino. 'I would have loved to have seen Bryan Mbeumo at Anfield with Liverpool though. He's got loads going for him. Manchester United In: Matheus Cunha Out: Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof Liverpool In: Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi Out: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher 'He was someone that is tried and tested in the Premier League for a few years as well. His work rate's astounding. He knows where the goal is. He's very, very technical and understands the way that Liverpool would want to play. 'So it was interesting to see that they never really went in for him.' Mbeumo looks set to join a Manchester United team that finished just 15th in the Premier League last season and will not be involved in any European competition next year. Asked how United were able to attract Mbeumo and Cunha despite their dismal 2024-25 campaign, Heskey added: 'The thing is with United is that they still have the pull to attract players. 'Normally, Mbeumo would be wanting Champions League football, knowing what the club are going to do. 'Even now, without Europe, in a transitional phase, United can still get hold of players like him and Matheus Cunha. More Trending 'It's a bit like when I chose Liverpool, who weren't yet at their best. I always supported Liverpool, but I always wanted to be in on the ground floor on their comeback. 'I understood the assignment, and I saw where things were going if they went well. 'Mbeumo probably feels the same. He can be part of something that can be great again. 'Let's be honest, it's Liverpool and Manchester United when you're abroad. They're the only two clubs who matter to the rest of the world.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Chelsea banish four players from Club World Cup squad but hand chance to young star MORE: Benjamin Sesko's manager tells him to reject one club after Arsenal and Man Utd talks MORE: Carlo Ancelotti praises Man Utd and Arsenal stars after first Brazil win
Scottish Sun
7 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Best XI of players released by Premier League clubs including Kevin De Bruyne and 39-cap former England star
Some players could still do a job in the Premier League FREE N EASY Best XI of players released by Premier League clubs including Kevin De Bruyne and 39-cap former England star Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have flooded the free agents market with plenty of talent this summer. A whopping 182 players have their contracts expiring at the end of the month. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 Kevin De Bruyne is a free agent after leaving Manchester City Credit: Getty 12 Christian Eriksen is now without a club Credit: AFP 12 Craig Dawson has left Wolves after two seasons Credit: Alamy Some players, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jorginho and Kieran Tierney, have already found new homes. However, there are plenty still on the hunt for a deal at a new club. Veterans such as Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Eriksen will be hoping to find new clubs before next season starts. De Bruyne is undoubtedly the biggest star without a club from the Premier League. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL MIC SWAP Carrick takes up new offer alongside Man Utd icon O'Shea just days after Boro axe The Manchester City legend has won it all in England during his decade at the Etihad. He has already shown he still has plenty to offer as he netted Belgium's winner against Wales this week. It is believed that the midfielder will have his future sorted quickly, with Serie A giants Napoli his likely destination. Ashley Young, 39, is another notable addition to the free agents list. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS The 39-cap England star has left Everton after two seasons and 70 appearances in all competitions. The now-defender has a wealth of top-flight experience, having previously won titles at Manchester United. Kevin De Bruyne given emotional Etihad send off as Man City take huge leap towards return to Champions League 12 Ashley Young is on the lookout for a new club Credit: Getty 12 Lukasz Fabianski has left West Ham after seven years Credit: Getty 12 Man United have let Victor Lindelof leave the club Credit: Getty Young starred at Old Trafford as a winger for much of his nine years at the club and earned winners' medals in the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup. Other solid defenders that are on the market include Man United's Victor Lindelof, Wolves' Craig Dawson and Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters. The best goalkeeper that has been let go is West Ham's Lukasz Fabianski. The former Arsenal stopper was a regular for the Hammers during his seven-year stay. However, he is now on the lookout for a new club after being displaced as the number one by Alphonse Areola. In the midfield, there are some intriguing players who have left their clubs. Alongside De Bruyne, creative stars such as Christian Eriksen and Pablo Sarabia are free to join new clubs. Eriksen left Old Trafford after two years at the club while Sarabia has done the same. Abdoulaye Doucoure is another star who is leaving Everton this summer. 12 Dominic Calvert-Lewin will not be at Everton next season Credit: PA 12 Prem legend Jamie Vardy is available on a free Credit: Reuters 12 The midfielder has played a key role in keeping the club in the Premier League over the last few seasons. However, the club has opted against keeping him on as manager David Moyes looks to freshen up the team. In attack, there are some intriguing options for clubs lacking firepower to consider signing. Jamie Vardy left Leicester City after 200 goals in 500 appearances for the club. The veteran forward still has something to offer as he netted nine times in the Premier League last season. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is another forward to hit the free agent market. The Toffees ace has plenty of talent, having previously been valued at more than £30million. He has seen his form dip in recent seasons with injuries hampering his game time. But at 28 years old, there is still time for the former Sheffield United striker to get back to the heights he once showed. 12 12 Michail Antonio may be on his way out of West Ham Credit: AFP
The Sun
8 minutes ago
- The Sun
Best XI of players released by Premier League clubs including Kevin De Bruyne and 39-cap former England star
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have flooded the free agents market with plenty of talent this summer. A whopping 182 players have their contracts expiring at the end of the month. 10 10 10 Some players, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jorginho and Kieran Tierney, have already found new homes. However, there are plenty still on the hunt for a deal at a new club. Veterans such as Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Eriksen will be hoping to find new clubs before next season starts. De Bruyne is undoubtedly the biggest star without a club from the Premier League. The Manchester City legend has won it all in England during his decade at the Etihad. He has already shown he still has plenty to offer as he netted Belgium 's winner against Wales this week. It is believed that the midfielder will have his future sorted quickly, with Serie A giants Napoli his likely destination. Ashley Young, 39, is another notable addition to the free agents list. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS The 39-cap England star has left Everton after two seasons and 70 appearances in all competitions. The now-defender has a wealth of top-flight experience, having previously won titles at Manchester United. Kevin De Bruyne given emotional Etihad send off as Man City take huge leap towards return to Champions League 10 10 Young starred at Old Trafford as a winger for much of his nine years at the club and earned winners' medals in the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup. Other solid defenders that are on the market include Man United's Victor Lindelof, Wolves' Craig Dawson and Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters. The best goalkeeper that has been let go is West Ham 's Lukasz Fabianski. The former Arsenal stopper was a regular for the Hammers during his seven-year stay. However, he is now on the lookout for a new club after being displaced as the number one by Alphonse Areola. In the midfield, there are some intriguing players who have left their clubs. Alongside De Bruyne, creative stars such as Christian Eriksen and Pablo Sarabia are free to join new clubs. Eriksen left Old Trafford after two years at the club while Sarabia has done the same. Abdoulaye Doucoure is another star who is leaving Everton this summer. 10 10 The midfielder has played a key role in keeping the club in the Premier League over the last few seasons. However, the club has opted against keeping him on as manager David Moyes looks to freshen up the team. In attack, there are some intriguing options for clubs lacking firepower to consider signing. Jamie Vardy left Leicester City after 200 goals in 500 appearances for the club. The veteran forward still has something to offer as he netted nine times in the Premier League last season. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is another forward to hit the free agent market. The Toffees ace has plenty of talent, having previously been valued at more than £30million. He has seen his form dip in recent seasons with injuries hampering his game time. But at 28 years old, there is still time for the former Sheffield United striker to get back to the heights he once showed. 10 10
