English media expect that Emiliano Martínez will be welcomed back at Aston Villa after the international break. This could spell bad news for Marco Bizot, who joined Villa Park as a possible replacement for the Argentine goalkeeper.
Emiliano Martínez’s future at Aston Villa continues to generate headlines, not only because of his quality as one of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers, but also due to the uncertainty that surrounded his summer transfer situation.
The 33-year-old Argentine, a World Cup hero with Argentina in 2022 and widely regarded as one of the best penalty specialists in world football, had expected to secure a move away during the transfer window. Instead, circumstances conspired against him, leaving his long-term role at Villa Park in question.
Martínez’s name had been linked with several clubs across Europe and beyond. Manchester United, who were in the market for a goalkeeper, ultimately decided to invest in the much younger Belgian talent Senne Lammens, signaling a preference for long-term development rather than bringing in a proven but older keeper. Galatasaray, along with multiple clubs from Saudi Arabia, were also interested, but Martínez reportedly declined those options, not yet ready to leave European elite football behind. For a player who thrives on competing at the very highest level, a step away from top European competition might have felt premature.
While these developments unfolded, Aston Villa moved to secure Marco Bizot from Stade Brest. The 34-year-old Dutchman arrived in Birmingham as a reliable and experienced alternative, capable of stepping into the starting lineup if Martínez left or faced disciplinary issues. Bizot, who had established himself as a consistent performer in Ligue 1 after his successful years at AZ Alkmaar, brought a calm presence and solid reflexes to Villa’s goal. Since joining, he has played two of the club’s three matches so far, receiving positive reviews from the English press for his composure and reliability.
Despite this, the hierarchy between the posts at Aston Villa remains clear in the eyes of many pundits and supporters. Martínez, eccentric and sometimes controversial, is still regarded as the superior goalkeeper, not only because of his technical ability and penalty-saving record but also because of his fiery personality and leadership. His antics in penalty shootouts celebrated by some, criticized by others have made him a figure of global recognition, particularly after his decisive role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph.
The situation took another twist after Villa’s last game before the international break against Crystal Palace. Unai Emery, speaking to the media, pointedly stated that he only wanted to talk about Bizot, sidestepping questions about Martínez. It was a strange and deliberate message, suggesting that all was not well behind the scenes. Reports soon emerged that Martínez’s behavior around that match had not been well received internally. According to sources, before he can reclaim his starting spot, the Argentine will need to offer an apology to the club and his teammates.
If Martínez does so, it is widely expected that he will quickly return as Villa’s number one goalkeeper. Both The Athletic and the Birmingham Mail have reported that Emery still sees him as the first-choice option, provided discipline and harmony are restored. The sense is that Bizot, though dependable, was always meant to be cover rather than a long-term replacement.
Former Villa and Leicester winger Marc Albrighton, now retired, echoed that sentiment in an interview with the BBC. “I think he’ll start the next game,” Albrighton said, confident that Martínez’s quality will win out once more. “He was open to a transfer, I saw that as well. But without knowing all the ins and outs, I think he’s professional enough to put this behind him. He knows that he was loved by the fans. It could very well be that in two months this is all forgotten.”
The comments highlight the delicate balance between short-term disruption and long-term memory in football. Martínez, despite his flirtation with a transfer and his occasional controversial behavior, remains a fan favorite at Villa Park. His passion, shot-stopping ability, and big-game temperament have played a huge role in Villa’s rise under Unai Emery. Last season, he was instrumental in helping the club secure European football, and many supporters believe his presence is crucial if Villa are to compete on multiple fronts this year.
For Bizot, the coming weeks may be decisive in defining his role at the club. If Martínez does indeed reclaim the starting spot, the Dutchman could find himself limited to cup appearances and sporadic Premier League outings. However, his professional attitude and solid performances have already earned him respect within the squad and among the coaching staff. Having a reliable backup of his caliber is seen as essential for Villa, particularly with the congested fixture list that comes with European commitments.
Looking ahead, much will depend on Martínez’s attitude and the club’s internal dynamics. If he can reconcile with the squad and regain focus, he has every chance of re-establishing himself as the undisputed number one. Should tensions persist, however, Villa may find themselves rotating more than they initially planned, with Bizot gaining further opportunities. Either way, the goalkeeper situation at Villa Park is set to be one of the most closely watched subplots of the season.
