Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez’s continuity ended up being a significant problem for Aston Villa manager Unai Emery.
Aston Villa were on the verge of making a bargain in the market with the arrival of Diogo Costa, the goalkeeper from FC Porto, but the fact that Martínez “had” to stay at Birmingham stopped all movements.
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There was a clear bid of €50 million, ready to be implemented on the last of the summer transfer window in anticipation of a move to Old Trafford. But Manchester United’s great interest in the Argentine goalkeeper did not materialize, which led to the plan to sign the Portuguese goalkeeper breaking down.
Diogo Costa, a rising star in Portugal
At just 25 years old, Diogo Costa is already an indisputable starter for FC Porto, the team for which he made his debut in 2019. Since then, he has played over 140 official matches and maintained a save percentage of over 72% in the Portuguese league, according to data from Opta. In addition, he has become the first choice goalkeeper for the Portuguese national team, playing a key role in qualifying for Euro 2024.
The goalkeeper is protected by a €75 million buyout clause, making him one of the most valuable players at the club. His consistency, reflexes, and ability to play with his feet place him as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe.
The deal would only have been made if Martínez had signed for Manchester United, who already had him on the block two years ago after David De Gea’s exit.
Throughout the summer, there were rumours that the Argentine goalkeeper had agreed to join the Red Devils, but in the end, the club opted for Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The failure to secure the signing reflects Aston Villa’s ambitions to strengthen the team for European competition. With a squad set to compete in the Conference League, Costa’s arrival would have raised the level of competition in the goalkeeper position.
Sources close to the club confirm that the follow-up of the Portuguese goalkeeper will continue, as the team sees him as the ideal option for the future in the medium term. If Martinez’s performances attract interest from Premier League giants again, it is not ruled out that the name Diogo Costa will reappear in Birmingham in the next transfer window.
Aston Villa go into the international break with only 1 point from 3 games.
