Emiliano Martinez’s post-World Cup setback deepens as Juventus end transfer pursuit

Emiliano Martinez’s difficult period has continued after Juventus ended their attempt to sign the Aston Villa goalkeeper, with the Italian club reportedly unwilling to meet the English side’s financial demands.

The decision comes shortly after Martinez missed out on World Cup glory with Argentina. The goalkeeper produced an outstanding performance in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, but his efforts were not enough to secure the trophy as Spain won 1-0 after extra time.

Martinez was therefore unable to add a World Cup winner’s medal to his achievements with Argentina. He also missed out on the tournament’s Golden Glove award, which was presented to Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon as the competition’s best goalkeeper.

The collapse of the proposed move to Juventus represents another setback for the 33-year-old. According to Spanish newspaper AS, Martinez had held talks over a possible move to the Serie A club. Juventus ultimately decided to abandon the deal after failing to reach an agreement with Aston Villa.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Aston Villa’s high financial demands were the central reason negotiations broke down. The club, managed by Unai Emery, maintained its valuation of the Argentina international, preventing the two sides from completing an agreement.

Martinez’s future at Villa Park had already been uncertain for some time. In May 2025, the goalkeeper appeared to signal that he could leave the club when he said an emotional farewell to Aston Villa supporters after his final Premier League match of the season.

That departure did not lead to a transfer, however. The months passed without Martinez receiving an offer considered suitable, and he remained with Aston Villa for the following period.

The goalkeeper has now found himself in an unclear position once again. Juventus’ decision to withdraw from negotiations has removed one of the possible destinations linked with him, while Aston Villa’s financial expectations continue to stand in the way of an agreement.

For Martinez, the sequence of events began with the disappointment of losing the World Cup final despite his strong display against Spain. The loss was followed by the Golden Glove award going to Unai Simon, before the proposed switch to Juventus collapsed over the terms demanded by Aston Villa.

His next step remains unresolved. Although he has previously indicated that he could leave the club, the absence of a suitable offer meant he continued his career with Aston Villa. Following the breakdown in talks with Juventus, the Argentina goalkeeper’s future is again uncertain.