Aston Villa Target Premier League Goalkeeper to Replace Emi Martinez

Manchester City's James Trafford emerges as top target for Unai Emery's side.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:26am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a soccer goalkeeper in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted earth tones, conveying the conceptual idea of a young player's ambition to claim a starting position.A cubist interpretation of a young goalkeeper's determination to seize a starting role, as Aston Villa pursues a potential transfer to replace their veteran star.Today in Birmingham

Aston Villa have entered the race to sign highly-rated Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as a potential replacement for their current number one, Emiliano Martinez. With uncertainty surrounding Martinez's future, Villa are proactively searching for a long-term successor, and the 23-year-old Englishman has become their top target.

Why it matters

The pursuit of Trafford makes perfect sense for Villa, as Martinez is 33 years old and one of the club's highest earners. Securing a young, talented goalkeeper like Trafford would provide a long-term solution in goal and potentially generate a significant transfer fee from Martinez's sale, which could help Villa navigate Premier League and UEFA financial regulations.

The details

Trafford has struggled for playing time at Manchester City since returning to the club last summer, with the arrival of Italian superstar Gianluigi Donnarumma pushing him down the pecking order. The young goalkeeper is expected to push for a move this summer in search of regular first-team football to continue his development. Trafford is a commanding, modern goalkeeper with excellent distribution skills and reflexes, traits that fit well with Unai Emery's playing style at Villa.

  • Trafford made his senior England debut recently.
  • Trafford has been limited to just over 250 league minutes this season.

The players

Emiliano Martinez

Aston Villa's current first-choice goalkeeper and a World Cup winner with Argentina.

James Trafford

A 23-year-old English goalkeeper currently on the books of Manchester City, who has impressed on loan at Burnley and is now seeking regular first-team football.

Unai Emery

The manager of Aston Villa, who is leading the club's pursuit of Trafford as a potential replacement for Martinez.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

The 27-year-old Italian goalkeeper who joined Manchester City last summer, pushing Trafford down the pecking order.

Pep Guardiola

The manager of Manchester City, who oversaw the club's signing of Donnarumma, which has impacted Trafford's playing time.

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What’s next

If Martinez does leave Villa Park this summer, securing a ready-made replacement like Trafford would be a crucial move for the club.

The takeaway

Aston Villa's pursuit of James Trafford as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez highlights the club's proactive approach to addressing potential roster changes and their desire to find a long-term solution in goal that fits Unai Emery's tactical preferences.