Aston Villa could have a new face between the sticks next season amid speculation linking Emiliano Martinez with an exit.

Juventus are one of the clubs reportedly keen on signing Martinez, who has been Unai Emery’s number one throughout his reign. The veteran Argentine’s future will be sorted out now that the World Cup has concluded.

Several names have been talked up as potential replacements for the 33-year-old as the Villans anticipate another big-name departure. Youri Tielemans has headed to Manchester United while Morgan Rogers is on the brink of completing a move to Chelsea.

Aston Villa ‘intensify negotiations’ for Atubolu

Isabel Infantes via Action Images/REUTERS

Villa could turn to Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu, although the German goalkeeper is in high demand. Fussballdaten reports that the West Midlands outfit face competition from Bournemouth, Inter Milan and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Atubolu is a familiar face as he endured a difficult night in last season’s Europa League final against Emery’s side. He picked the ball out of the net three times as the Villans beat the Bundesliga club 3-0.

It must be said that the 24-year-old wasn’t helped out by his defence, and he’d otherwise enjoyed a fine season. With 12 clean sheets in 50 games and some eye-catching performances, his stock has grown, with the Bundesliga website praising his efforts.

Freiburg are believed to value Atubolu, praised for his ‘lightning’ reflexes at around £21.2million to £25.5million and they might view this as the opportune time to cash in. He has just one year remaining on his contract and a move to Villa Park is a real possibility.

Villa are expected to make an “attractive offer” for the German after already intensifying negotiations. They believe he has the tools to be an ideal fit in Emery’s squad, although it’s unclear whether he’s viewed as a first or second-choice shot-stopper.

The two clubs have recently done business which could help aid a pursuit. Johan Manzambi has replaced Rogers in a deal worth around £60m.

Why Villa might be cautious over Atubolu

Replacing Martinez will have to happen sooner rather than later and Villa are already heading into a new era with a new-look team. Atubolu has performed well at Freiburg and could be a viable option to replace the Argentine.

Atubolu has made a name for himself in the Bundesliga, including breaking the record for the most penalties saved in a row. He stopped five spot-kicks, which could be enticing for Emery as he bids to win silverware.

That said, a lack of Premier League experience is always a concern when moving for a goalkeeper from abroad. There’s a tad bit of risk involved as some can’t handle the physicality and constant high balls.

Atubolu isn’t the only name to be linked with Villa, as Parma’s Zion Suzuki is reportedly also on Emery’s shortlist. The Japanese shot-stopper has just come off an impressive World Cup campaign and is tipped for a bright future.

Laurie Whitwell has given an update on Manchester United‘s transfer plans and particularly whether they will move for a new left-back.

The Red Devils have been linked with Newcastle United‘s Lewis Hall, who could be Luke Shaw’s long-term replacement. Reports claim that the Englishman prefers a move to Old Trafford over a return to Chelsea.

Newcastle are expected to play hardball over Hall after selling Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon for around £170 million. The Magpies don’t want to sell the 21-year-old and are reportedly demanding £80m given he still has three years left on his contract.

Man Utd Stance on Hall Revealed

via Reuters

While United admire Hall, there is a chance that they don’t make a move for the young full-back. Michael Carrick has several versatile players in his squad, which could mean he heads into next season without the arrival of a new left-back

That’s what Whitwell suggested in The Athletic‘s Deal Sheet: “As well as left-wing options, United have looked at potential left-backs, with people at the club liking Newcastle’s Lewis Hall. But Rashford’s return and Dorgu’s position have an impact there, while Leny Yoro was deployed at right-back in Helsinki, possibly raising the prospect of Noussair Mazraoui switching to an option at left-back, where he played for Morocco.”

Patrick Dorgu arrived at United under Ruben Amorim and was deployed as the left wing-back before moving to the left wing under Carrick. He could be used as a makeshift left-back if Shaw needs to be rotated.

It appears that Carrick’s coaching staff also view Noussair Mazraoui as an option, which might not be too enthusing for fans. While the Moroccan has proven to be useful since joining from Bayern Munich, he has blown hot and cold.

Man Utd Must Go All Out For Hall

United are focused right now on signing a third new midfielder following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. AS Roma’s Manu Kone is at the top of their wishlist amid reports suggesting they could make a £47m offer for the Frenchman.

Once a third midfield signing is made, the transfer chiefs will turn their attention to other areas of Carrick’s squad. That includes left-back, where they should do all they can to land Hall.

Shaw is now 31 and, despite playing every league game last season, will eventually need replacing. Hall is the ideal heir as he possesses a similar profile and can take the position from his compatriot.

United should be backing Carrick with a squad that can compete for major trophies, and this is the kind of deal you get sorted. Even if it means paying a hefty fee, it is a signing that sorts out the left-back position for potentially the next five or more years.

Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi could be seen embracing after the 2026 World Cup final, in a moment that represented a passing of the torch.

The greatest footballer of all time was unable to drag his Argentina team across the line again, just as he had in the 2022 final. Meanwhile, Yamal, 19, was part of Spain’s dominant side that steamrolled every opponent they encountered.

He’s largely viewed as the heir to Messi’s throne, especially as a Barcelona superstar at such a young age. Messi’s brilliance at 39 years old, scoring eight goals and registering four assists, wasn’t enough to seal back-to-back World Cup titles.

Following the full-time whistle, Yamal headed straight over to the Argentina icon, who sat heartbroken on the turf at MetLife Stadium.

What Lionel Messi Said to Lamine Yamal After World Cup Final

REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Much of the attention was drawn to the post-match meltdown, which saw Nicolas Otamendi furiously confront Rodri, Leandro Paredes throw Gavi to the floor and an Argentine coach punch Dani Olmo.

However, cameras naturally drifted towards Messi, who more than likely bowed out of international football with a loss on the biggest stage. He looked like a broken man as he sat on the ground, avoiding all the post-match drama.

Yamal immediately made his way over to Messi, who he helped up off the ground before hugging. The pair shared words, which the Spanish forward has now revealed.

Per the Metro, Yamal said: “He’s the greatest player in history and someone I’ve always looked up to. After the match, I wanted to show him my respect.

Getting Messi’s seal of approval and recognition would have been music to Yamal’s ears. The teenage sensation has now won the European Championship and World Cup with Spain.

Messi’s Statement on ‘Immense Pain’ After Final Defeat

Lionel Messi looks dejected via REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Almost 24 hours after the disappointing defeat, Messi took to social media to express how hurt he felt after failing to add a fourth star to Argentina’s badge. “The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things,” his statement read.

He added: “The matches we turned around by giving it our all – moments that will remain in our memories forever – and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group’s hard work and effort, brought us back among the world’s elite once again.

Statistics are courtesy of FIFA. Correct as of 21-07-26.