Emi Martínez Set for SHOCK Move to Manchester United After Hidden £21.6M Clause Discovered!
Emi Martínez Set for SHOCK Move to Manchester United After Hidden £21.6M Clause Discovered — Deal Could Be Fast-Tracked Before Deadline!
Emi Martínez Set for SHOCK Move to Manchester United After Hidden £21.6M Clause Discovered — Deal Could Be Fast-Tracked Before Deadline!
In a dramatic and unexpected twist in the summer transfer window, Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano “Emi” Martínez has emerged as a top target for Manchester United, following the stunning revelation of a hidden £21.6 million release clause embedded in his contract — a detail that has taken the football world completely by surprise.
Sources close to the negotiations say United are now preparing to activate the clause immediately, potentially fast-tracking the move in what could be one of the most astute and sensational goalkeeper transfers of the window.
🧤 From Villa Park to the Theatre of Dreams?
Martínez, 31, has been a pillar of consistency for Aston Villa ever since arriving from Arsenal in 2020, and he has only elevated his reputation further since his iconic performance for Argentina during their victorious 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign. Known for his commanding presence, elite reflexes, and ice-cold nerves in high-stakes moments, Martínez has firmly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League — and perhaps even in world football.
However, his name had not seriously featured on United’s radar until this week — when an internal review of available goalkeeper options revealed that a specific clause in Martínez’s contract allows him to leave for £21.6 million if triggered by a club playing in the UEFA Champions League or a “club of historic European stature” — both boxes that Manchester United comfortably tick.
With the clause now public knowledge, United are reportedly moving quickly before other top European clubs like Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, or Napoli can pounce.
🔴 Why Are Manchester United Going for a Goalkeeper?
Despite already having André Onana between the posts, there has been growing concern within the club hierarchy about Onana’s inconsistency, particularly in high-pressure situations and Champions League fixtures. His shot-stopping has come under scrutiny, and while his distribution is world-class, United’s coaching staff have been privately discussing competition — or even a replacement — in the goalkeeping department.
Furthermore, backup option Altay Bayındır has not convinced internally, and United’s lack of elite-level depth in goal became painfully evident during the previous campaign.
“There’s a growing consensus that we need someone with Martínez’s mentality — a winner, a leader, someone who doesn’t shy away from big moments,” one source close to the United backroom staff reportedly said.
🧠 Strategic Masterstroke or Risky Disruption?
The potential signing of Emi Martínez would bring more than just a safe pair of hands. It would inject a battle-hardened, vocal, and emotionally charged presence into United’s defensive core — something they’ve lacked since the departure of David De Gea.
Martínez is a player not afraid to speak his mind, not afraid to rattle opponents, and not afraid of pressure. His controversial yet effective antics during penalty shootouts are infamous — but they often work.
“Martínez plays with fire, but he’s also the guy you’d want in a final. He’s been there. He’s done it. And he saves you when it matters most,” said former goalkeeper and pundit Peter Schmeichel on a recent broadcast.
That said, questions remain:
- Would he accept a role where rotation is possible?
- Would his strong personality clash with Erik ten Hag’s more disciplined dressing room expectations?
- And would Onana accept the pressure or consider his position untenable?
💸 The Hidden Clause: A Bargain in Today’s Market
In a transfer market where goalkeepers of Martínez’s calibre often go for £40–60 million, the £21.6 million release clause is being hailed as a massive opportunity.
Insiders suggest that the clause was quietly inserted into Martínez’s last contract renewal with Aston Villa, with his representatives anticipating that Champions League-level interest could materialize if Villa failed to consistently qualify for Europe’s top competition.
With United now pulling the trigger, Villa will have no legal means to stop the move once the payment is submitted — unless Martínez himself declines the offer, which sources say is “highly unlikely”.
🛫 What’s Next?
Reports suggest that United have already contacted Martínez’s representatives, and talks over personal terms are progressing rapidly. Should all go well, the deal could be completed within the week, pending medical and final approvals.
United are expected to:
- Offer Martínez a three-year deal with an option for a fourth
- Match or exceed his current wage at Villa
- Guarantee him a serious shot at the No. 1 shirt — not just a backup role
Meanwhile, Villa have begun lining up replacements, with links to several South American and Portuguese league goalkeepers, suggesting they’re preparing for his imminent exit.
🗣️ Fan Reaction: Shock, Excitement, and Division
The news has triggered a flurry of reactions across social media:
United fans:
- “Finally, a proper competitor for Onana. This is what top clubs do.”
- “Martínez for £21.6M is robbery. Make it happen now.”
- “A World Cup winner with that kind of fire? We’re cooking.”
Villa fans:
- “If he leaves for £21M, that clause was a disaster.”
- “He gave us everything. Can’t hate him. But we’re in Europe — this hurts.”
- “Should’ve removed that clause ages ago.”
🧨 Final Verdict: A Gamble Worth Taking?
With the Premier League heating up and United desperately trying to re-establish themselves among Europe’s elite, signing Emi Martínez may be the bold, ruthless move they need. For £21.6 million, it’s not just a transfer — it’s a potential game-changing bargain, both financially and competitively.
If completed, this shock move will not only reshape United’s goalkeeper hierarchy but also send a powerful message to the rest of the league: Manchester United are ready to compete — and they’re not waiting around to do it.
