Aston Villa have put themselves in a decent position to secure Champions League football after beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0.
They currently lie in 5th place, the last available slot for the elite European competition, on 66 points.
It’s looking like a straight shoot-out between them, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Manchester City with one team set to miss out.
Villa managed the comfortable win to keep them in the race in their last home game of the season, which had been moved to Friday night at the request of Spurs.
Tonight’s defeat was yet another blow to Tottenham after missing out on a £50m defender.
Despite the unusual slot for the last home game of the season, Villa’s players were able to thank the home fans for their support.
Marcus Rashford wasn’t able to play due to injury, with his future at Aston Villa in question.
At such occasions, there’s usually an indication of possible changes in the summer with the players able to send a message to the crowd.
This time was no different, as Emiliano Martinez caught the eye with his visceral gestures to the fans.
The Argentinian goalkeeper was spotted tearing up and motioning towards the Villa faithful, with some interpreting it as Martinez waving goodbye.
Fabrizio Romano explains Emiliano Martinez ‘waving goodbye’ to Aston Villa fans
Fabrizio Romano has offered an explanation to Aston Villa fans over Emiliano Martinez’s gestures at full time of the Spurs match.
The football journalist said: “Dibu Martinez, emotional at full time as this could be his last appearance at Aston Villa – not sure yet but a possibility ahead of summer window.”
He then addressed who could be interested in signing the goalkeeper: “Understand Saudi Pro League clubs have approached Martinez in the recent weeks.
“Emi Martinez will assess all the options also from Europe after Saudi Pro League clubs approaches, as he’s expected to leave Aston Villa.”
Romano added that the club have already identified a potential replacement: “Villa are among several clubs showing interest in Joan Garcia, open race ahead.”
Arsenal are one of the clubs also interested in Garcia, who plays for Espanyol.
The Argentine, who was named the best goalkeeper in the world in 2024, would likely not be short of offers if he has decided to leave.
However, at 32 years old, it would make sense if he decided to cash in on one final payday by moving to Saudi Arabia.
His contract at Aston Villa runs until 2029, so whoever makes a move for him will likely need to offer the Midlands club big money.
Unai Emery speaks out on Emiliano Martinez’s future at Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was asked about Emiliano Martinez in a post-match interview following the 2-0 win.
Responding to a question about his goalkeeper’s future, Emery said: “We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don’t know.
“We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field.”
It was a non-committal response that won’t exactly reassure Villa fans about Martinez staying at the club.
Villans have been sharing their gratitude towards Martinez online.
Another fan added: “If Dibu is to leave us, he gave us five incredible years and achieved his goal of getting us UCL.
“Villa believed in him, which helped him play for Argentina and lift the World Cup. One of a kind. Incredibly proud to say he was our No. 1.”
