Aston Villa could consider signing Jose Sa from midlands rivals Wolves if Emi Martinez departs amid interest from top Premier League sides.
According to Fichajes, Jose Sa is an option for Unai Emery, as Aston Villa is considering the 30-year-old Premier League ace to replace Emi Martinez; the World Cup winner may aspire to play in the Champions League and possibly depart the Villans if a good offer comes in, with the Portuguese considered as his replacement.
Jose Sa took no time to impress after joining the Wolves in the summer of 2021. After a terrific season with the Midlands side, his form has dovetailed this term, leading to Julen Lopetegui dropping the keeper for the last three Premier League games.
Speculation points towards a possible exit for the 30-year-old Premier League ace from Wolves. If that happens, he does have suitors from within England, with Aston Villa likely to consider a move. Unai Emery may not have thought about changing his goalkeeper in the close season after Emi Martinez proved his credentials between the sticks.
However, media reports and some earlier comments from Emery hinted at an indifferent relationship between the pair, who knew each other from their Arsenal days. Moreover, there are claims the Chelsea and Manchester United target might seek an exit to play in the Champions League.
While Mauricio Pochettino remains keen on the Argentine, Chelsea cannot offer him Champions League football. Manchester United certainly can if Erik ten Hag decides to bring in competition for David De Gea. Both Premier League giants have seen their names linked with some of the top goalkeepers from around and in the continent.
Martinez has been excellent in the last few years since joining Aston Villa in 2020. The Chelsea and Manchester United target has played an instrumental role in steering the club into the running for a Conference League spot. Still, for his personal ambitions, that may not prove enough.
If he does leave, Aston Villa will demand a significant fee considering he only signed a new deal earlier this season. They already have a few suitable names for his replacement, including Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvilli and now Wolves’ Jose Sa.
Martinez is an excellent shot-stopper and a tremendous distributor of the ball. Only a few keepers spread the ball as he does, but Jose Sa is as close one can get to the Argentine World Cup winner. The Wolves man could leave, with the club ready to consider a decent offer.
The report suggests Villa may have to pay £17 million for the 30-year-old Premier League ace. However, Emery will keep his options open and may not jump to sign the first available keeper in the market. Jose Sa also needs to prove his form before any club will seriously consider a move for the Portuguese.
