Aston Villa’s $70 Million Secret: Meet the Shocking New Keeper Set to Replace Dibu Martínez!

Emi “Dibu” Martínez’s days at Aston Villa seem numbered—his tearful goodbye during the recent Spurs clash was as telling as a headline screaming transfer news. No official word yet, but whispers are swirling like mad: top clubs are circling for the Argentine shot-stopper, while Villa, ever pragmatic, is already plotting life after him. The buzz on the street? Joan García, a young keeper from Espanyol, was first up on Villa’s radar—not only as a potential replacement for Martínez, but also anticipating the exit of backup Robin Olsen, who’s reportedly heading to Malmö. Unai Emery isn’t leaving stones unturned. He’s spotlighted Real Sociedad’s Álex Remiro, a stalwart presence between the sticks in La Liga and someone with international caps to his name. Remiro’s performances in San Sebastián have turned heads, and with a €70 million release clause attached, he’s no cheap gamble—no wonder Premier League giants once hesitated. As the season wraps, “Dibu” himself is weighing options, with talks reportedly involving three firm offers; despite a tempting payday from Saudi Arabia—where Jorge Mendes is said to be in the mix—Martínez’s eyes remain on Europe and the looming 2026 World Cup stage. Two unnamed big European clubs have already made their intentions clear, but for now, the next chapter for “Dibu” is anyone’s guess. LEARN MORE

Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez is expected to leave Aston Villa. His emotional reaction during last Friday’s home game against Tottenham—his last match at Villa Park this season—made it clear. While nothing has been officially confirmed about his future, several clubs are reportedly in the race to sign the Argentine goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the English side has already started looking for his replacement.

The first name to come up was Joan García, a 24-year-old currently playing for Espanyol in Barcelona. However, García had been on Villa’s radar even if Martínez stayed, as the club is also preparing for the likely departure of backup goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who’s close to joining Malmö in Sweden.

Because of that, manager Unai Emery has already suggested a new candidate, also from Spain’s La Liga. According to AS, the top target now is Álex Remiro, a 30-year-old who plays for Real Sociedad and has been part of the Spanish national team squad for both the Euros and Nations League.

Remiro has had strong performances in San Sebastián and has earned two caps under Luis de la Fuente. His debut came in a friendly against Colombia in March of last year, and he appeared again in November in a Nations League match against Switzerland.

Remiro is under contract with Real Sociedad until 2027 and has a hefty release clause for a goalkeeper—€70 million—which in the past has been enough to scare off interest from Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea.

Where will Dibu Martínez play next?

After what looked like a farewell at Villa Park, Dibu Martínez is waiting for the season to end before carefully evaluating the offers on the table. According to journalist Gastón Edul, the Argentina international currently has three concrete proposals.