Emiliano Martinez | Imago

Emiliano Martínez’s brother has shed light on what led to the Aston Villa goalkeeper’s failed transfer to Manchester United.

It has been a dramatic few weeks for Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, who had set his heart on a move to Manchester United this summer but will now remain at Aston Villa after a failed transfer saga.

The Argentine World Cup winner, twice named FIFA’s best goalkeeper, was pushing for a switch to Old Trafford in hopes of dislodging Andre Onana as first choice.

 United, however, opted against pursuing him after manager Ruben Amorim sanctioned the €21 million signing of Jean Butez from Antwerp instead.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Martínez had even given a tearful farewell to Villa fans at the end of last season, only to be left out of Unai Emery’s squad for their 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend. 

Emery’s cryptic response when asked about the keeper’s absence — “Marco Bizot” — sparked speculation, as the Dutchman deputised but conceded three goals.

With the window closing across Europe, Galatasaray attempted a late swoop for Martínez, but the Argentine rejected a move to Turkey, leaving him to reintegrate at Villa after the international break.

His brother, Alejandro Martínez, insisted there was no rift with Emery, and that the decision lay firmly with the board. 

“They told me Emi gave a lot as a professional and as a person. They adore him, and that was visible on the field. He is very much loved, and the management didn’t want to sell him because he is the team’s key player. It was a commercial dispute. The sporting side was left out, and everything is fine,” he told DSports Radio.

Alejandro went further, comparing Martínez’s impact at Villa to footballing legends at their clubs. “At Aston Villa, he is the Diego of Napoli, like Kun at City, like Leo at Barça. They are legendary players, and it will be difficult to surpass what he has done at Villa.”

Their father, Alberto Martínez, echoed that sentiment but struck a pragmatic note: “This is a job, this is a factory, and factories have employees. 

“He is just another employee, and the factory won’t fire him if he’s good. It’s all about business. Tomorrow it will happen, today it didn’t.”

For now, Villa fans can breathe a sigh of relief: their hero between the posts is staying put — at least until January.