Oxford United's Emiliano Martinez may be on his way out of Villa Park as Aston Villa pursue Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Martinez, who has been Villa's undisputed first-choice stopper since 2020, may not be the force he once was for the West Midlands outfit.
What happened?
Aston Villa have reportedly reached an agreement with Parma to sign former Paris Saint-Germain target Zion Suzuki, potentially paving the way for an Emiliano Martinez exit. Unai Emery's team had Marco Bizot in goal for their UEFA Super Cup loss to the French giants earlier this week, with Martinez given an extended break after reaching the World Cup final with Argentina.
Why it matters for Oxford United
This summer, Villa have turned their attention to Japanese international Suzuki, who impressed for his country at the 2026 World Cup. The 23-year-old, however, looked set to join back-to-back Champions League winners PSG, only for the move to collapse at the 11th hour. Now, Villa have swung into action, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.
What comes next?
The package for the Japanese – who is said to have informed the Italian outfit that he wants to head to Villa – is worth an initial £25.6m, with potential bonuses bringing that up to £30m. This comes at a time when Villa have received a new bid from Juventus for Martinez and although there is a gap in their respective valuations, it is 'narrowing'. The Italian giants reportedly want to pay an initial £6m for the Argentine in a total package worth up to £8.5m.
Oxford United are currently 22nd in the Championship, 47 points behind leaders Coventry, with 45 goals scored and 59 conceded (-14 goal difference) this season. Their recent form has been LWLL, with a 2-0 loss to Millwall on 2 May 2026 still fresh in their minds. With Martinez potentially on his way out, it remains to be seen how Villa will cope with the loss of their experienced goalkeeper.
Recent form (last 4): 1W-0D-3L (LWLL, most recent first)
Oxford United's recent form has been a cause for concern, with three consecutive losses in the Championship. With Martinez potentially on his way out, it remains to be seen how Villa will cope with the loss of their experienced goalkeeper. The 33-year-old has been Villa's undisputed first-choice stopper since 2020, but may not be the force he once was for the West Midlands outfit.
Oxford United's transfer business has been quiet so far this summer, but the potential departure of Martinez could signal a change in their approach. With Suzuki set to join Villa, it remains to be seen how the Argentine goalkeeper will react to the news. Will he stay and fight for his place, or will he seek a move elsewhere? Only time will tell.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 22nd in Championship, 47 pts, 11W-14D-21L from 46 games, recent form LWLL.
