Emi Martinez

[Clampy]

I'm not sure why some are happy to see him go anyway. Ok, he's not been as good as he has been of late but it's not been bad enough to suddenly flog him.

[Exeter 77]

My dislike of David O'Leary has been fairly well documented here over the years but very occasionally I sort of understand his 'fickle' comment with a small percentage of our fanbase. Selling any player without a replacement of better or equal standard would only see us go one way as we saw in the later Lerner years. Finding a replacement for Emi Martinez would at the moment would be virtually impossible.

[villa for life]

My dislike of David O'Leary has been fairly well documented here over the years but very occasionally I sort of understand his 'fickle' comment with a small percentage of our fanbase. Selling any player without a replacement of better or equal standard would only see us go one way as we saw in the later Lerner years. Finding a replacement for Emi Martinez would at the moment would be virtually impossible.

Oh the hyperbole…

[frank black]

The best keeper we’ve ever had, he’s had an average season. Yep, time to sell and replace with another Yashin winner and bag a profit

[Beard82]

The best keeper we’ve ever had, he’s had an average season. Yep, time to sell and replace with another Yashin winner and bag a profit

[john2710]

The fact that Emi is reportedly one of the highest earner at the club might be an issue. Wages are obviously going to be a factor in what the club do over the summer, dependent upon what competition we're in. He would be almost impossible to replace.

[Mellin]

Let's have a bit of caution about all the let's sell Martinez messages. When Liverpool signed Alisson from Roma it was Monchi that replaced him with Olsen. Whilst that could have been a one of lapse of judgement everyone has a weakness I'm just scared that judging goalkeepers could be Manchis

If that doesn't concern people who are talking about selling Emi fucking Martinez I don't know what to say. Allison to Olsen. Careful what you wish for

[PaulWinch again]

The fact that Emi is reportedly one of the highest earner at the club might be an issue. Wages are obviously going to be a factor in what the club do over the summer, dependent upon what competition we're in. He would be almost impossible to replace.

Not on this season he wouldn’t - don’t get me wrong love Emi and he’s been a sensational signing and I’m not advocating selling him. Hopefully it’s just been a bit of an under par season, but in pure performance terms, this season, I think other keepers could have done better. Hopefully he bounces back next year

[Beard82]

He is the best goalkeeper Ive seen in my 35 years.  He has twice been voted best goalkeeper in the world.  He has played a huge part in Argentina winning the world cup.  In the final he made an abosuletely huge save often replayed.

Earlier this season - non villa people were asking if a save he made was the best save in PL history.  he has been excellent for us for 5 season.  This season there have been a few he could have done better with.  He is a leader - and we seriously lack those on the pitch.

Lets not kid ourselves.  Selling him would only lead to a significant downgrade.  If it has to happen because the FFP means we cant have nice things - then thats one thing.  But lets not pretend that it would be anything other than a significant blow.

[Mellin]

Well said.

[ldavfc4eva]

He is in a bit of a bad patch, but still one of the best in the world.

For me he is an elite GK and ranks with (in no particular order) :

Alisson
Donnarumma
Ederson
Courtois
Ter Stegen

To replace him I think you get one of the above (impossible) or go for an older head (pointless) example of Sommer or Handanovic, or go younger and somewhat untested and pay a fortune.

I think a decent backup is what’s needed to keep him on his toes and keep his level as high as possible, ideally in the younger mould but with some experience in top flight football.

Not an easy task as whoever comes in knows they are backup and will get cup games at best.

[Chris Harte]

Not an easy task as whoever comes in knows they are backup and will get cup games at best.

What's David de Gea doing now? I think he went a season without a club at one point. Not sure of his status now.

[Mellin]

Doing really well at Fiorentina.

[Chris Harte]

Doing really well at Fiorentina.

Ah, okay. Not a likely back-up for Emi then.

[Randy Gurner]

Isn't this the usual consequence of a catastrophic loss? We mull over who of the best players should be sold first?

For what it's worth I'd keep Pau and Emi and replace Watkins with a younger more technically gifted finisher (like Duran) - runs for cover