Latest news with #DSPORTS
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Aston Villa rocked by transfer interest from Man Utd and Barcelona
The curtain may be slowly descending on Emiliano Martínez's remarkable Aston Villa journey. From Arsenal's fringe loanee to World Cup-winning lynchpin and two-time FIFA Best Goalkeeper, the Argentine has transformed his career in claret and blue. But with reported offers from European powerhouses Manchester United and Barcelona, the winds of change appear to be circling once more. According to DSports, the 32-year-old has received formal approaches from both clubs. In a further twist, he was reportedly reduced to tears after Villa's 2-0 win over Tottenham — a gesture that now feels less like celebration and more like a silent farewell. ¡EL DIBU: EN LA MIRA DE DOS GIGANTES! 🔥 🧤 Emiliano Martínez tiene ofertas de Manchester United y Barcelona para dejar Aston Villa. ¿En qué equipo crees que continuará su carrera? 🤔 ℹ️ @fczyz 📷 AVFC — DSPORTS (@DSports) May 18, 2025 The speculation surrounding Martínez is not just media mischief. There's substance to the story. As reported by Argentine outlet Ole, the goalkeeper is believed to have rejected overtures from Saudi Arabia in favour of continuing his Champions League adventure. It's not hard to see why. Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa have risen with structure and purpose. European nights are back at Villa Park, and Martínez remains at the heart of it. But the elite clubs circling suggest his profile has outgrown even Villa's resurgence. 'It's been an emotional ride,' Martínez is quoted as saying post-match. 'But there's a time in every player's life when big decisions must be made.' Manchester United and Barcelona are both clubs in need of stability between the posts. André Onana's rocky time at Old Trafford has reignited debate, while Barça's ageing Marc-André ter Stegen is no longer the immovable object he once was. In Martínez, both clubs see a ready-made elite shot-stopper, a leader, and a serial winner. His experience, leadership, and flair for high-stakes performances — not least that infamous shootout style — make him an asset. And with Villa facing the financial reality of balancing books and squad depth for European football, a big-money move may be difficult to resist. Villa fans have long adored Martínez not just for his saves, but for his swagger and authenticity. He became part of the club's soul — the underdog with bite. But in modern football, emotional ties are often second to fiscal prudence. With three offers reportedly on the table and Martínez open to the right move, the club's resolve may soon be tested. As always, it's the silence from both player and club that speaks loudest. From a Villa fan's point of view, this stings — deeply. Emi Martínez isn't just a world-class keeper; he's part of the emotional fabric of this team's recent rise. We remember the save at Old Trafford, the penalty antics in the Copa América, and the sheer presence he brings week in, week out. If the reports are true and he's entertaining offers, it's understandable but also gutting. We've always known bigger clubs would come knocking, especially with Champions League qualification raising profiles, not just ambitions. It's telling that he's supposedly turned down Saudi money — the man wants legacy, not just a payday. Still, if he has to go, let it be for the right fee. None of this cut-price nonsense. He's in his prime, he's a world champion, and he's ours — for now. We trust Emery and the board to make the right decision, but let's be honest: replacing someone like Emi is near impossible. If he goes, a chunk of Villa's heart goes with him.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manchester United make offer to Emiliano Martinez as Aston Villa exit looks certain
Manchester United have made an offer for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to a new report. DSports claim that both United and Barcelona have approached the World Cup winner and made their pitch about him joining their club. ¡EL DIBU: EN LA MIRA DE DOS GIGANTES! 🔥 🧤 Emiliano Martínez tiene ofertas de Manchester United y Barcelona para dejar Aston Villa. ¿En qué equipo crees que continuará su carrera? 🤔 ℹ️ @fczyz 📷 AVFC — DSPORTS (@DSports) May 18, 2025 The news comes out of the blue, with DSports' own news team previously reporting that Dibu's next destination will likely be Saudi Arabia. Moreover, reports from reliable sources this week alleged that United were not even prioritising the goalkeeping position. At 32 years of age, Martinez seems an unlikely target for INEOS, but with question marks still hanging over Andre Onana's unpredictability, it is possible they are looking to bring in a safe pair of hands without too much of an outlay. Martinez has twice won the Best Fifa Men's Goalkeeper award and looks certain to leave Villa Park at the end of the month. Despite having a contract that runs to 2029, the Villans are widely tipped to be cashing in, hoping to replace the Argentinian with a younger keeper. The star was spotted crying after the recent match against Spurs, leading Sky Sports to suggest that it might have been one of the last of his 211 appearances for the Birmingham side. 🗣️ "He'll be a big loss to them"🗣️ "That does look like he was waving goodbye for sure" Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp on Emi Martinez waving to the Villa Park crowd with tears in his eyes 👋 — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 16, 2025 The keeper's market value as per is €25 million (£21m) but Villa are probably looking for an amount in excess of that as they seek to balance the books from a PSR perspective. Ironically, one of the names tipped to replace Martinez at Villa Park is Espanyol's Joan Garcia, who has also been heavily linked with an Old Trafford switch. Martinez has also been reported to want Champions League football, which would rule out Saudi but could put United in the picture if they were to win the Europa League final on Wednesday. If indeed United were to land the South American, it would call into question whether Onana would then be sold or whether they would be left to battle it out for the number one jersey. Serendipitously, United are set to face Martinez and Villa in their final Premier League match of the season next Sunday. Follow us on Bluesky: @
Reuters
30-01-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Messi eyes 2026 World Cup, Argentina coach Scaloni says
Jan 30 (Reuters) - Argentina great Lionel Messi wants to play in the 2026 World Cup, but is too early to make any official announcements, his national coach Lionel Scaloni said on Thursday. Scaloni, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar, explained the 37-year-old record eight-times Ballon d'Or winner's desire to remain in the squad. "The first thing to say is that both he and his teammates are aware that there is a reasonable amount of time left and that he and everyone else are keen to play in the World Cup," Scaloni told DSPORTS. "We will have to wait and see how things develop. He (Messi) knows what we are thinking and he is the most intelligent of us all," the coach added. Scaloni also spoke about former Argentina forward Angel Di Maria's decision to retire from international football after winning his second Copa America trophy last year. "From what he said, it is over. And in the best possible way. If he had written his film, his book, his football story, I don't think he would have written it as well as he ended it," Scaloni said.
