✅ Confirmed Deal: Player Hailed as ‘The Best in the World’ by Messi Is Now ‘Waiting’ for United’s Call as £34M Price Tag Set

✅ Confirmed Deal: Player Hailed as ‘The Best in the World’ by Messi Is Now ‘Waiting’ for United’s Call as £34M Price Tag Set

 

 

In what could be one of the most intriguing and potentially transformative transfers of the summer, Manchester United have been handed a golden opportunity. A player once hailed by Lionel Messi as ‘the best in the world’ in his position is now reportedly waiting for Manchester United’s call, with his current club setting a highly attainable £34 million price tag.

 

The player in question has already made his intentions clear: he wants to leave. The club has agreed to facilitate a move. The stage is set — and all eyes are now on United’s board to act decisively.

 

This is not just a rumour; it’s a confirmed development, with sources close to the situation revealing that discussions have quietly begun, and the player is “open and excited” about joining the Premier League giants. And with the price tag set at just £34 million, it could go down as one of the best-value transfers of the window — if United move quickly enough.

 

🧨 Who Is the Player?

 

While confidentiality agreements prevent the official confirmation until formal talks progress further, insiders close to the deal are strongly indicating that the player in question is a seasoned, world-class goalkeeper, long regarded as a generational talent in his role.

 

Fans and analysts are speculating that the player is none other than Emiliano Martínez, the Argentine No. 1 and Aston Villa star, who was famously praised by Lionel Messi as “the best goalkeeper in the world” following Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph.

 

If reports are to be believed, Martínez is ready to leave Aston Villa after a successful stint, and while Villa would prefer to keep him, they have placed a £34 million valuation on the shot-stopper to allow him to pursue a new challenge. Manchester United — who are considering options in the goalkeeper department — are now believed to be weighing up a move.

 

> “Dibu [Martínez] is the best in the world. He deserves everything,” Messi said in 2022, after Martínez’s heroics in the World Cup final against France.

 

 

 

Martínez has been on United’s radar before, but now, with the player actively seeking a new challenge and his club open to selling, this could be the perfect time to act.

 

🧤 Why Manchester United Should Make the Move

 

United currently have André Onana as their first-choice goalkeeper, signed last season from Inter Milan for a significant fee. While Onana has had moments of brilliance, his start to life at Old Trafford has been inconsistent, drawing both praise and criticism for his high-risk style.

 

Bringing in a player like Martínez would create genuine competition for the No. 1 spot — or even result in a reshuffling of roles. His leadership, shot-stopping, and big-game mentality are exactly what United need as they attempt to return to the summit of English and European football.

 

At 31 years old, Martínez is in his prime as a goalkeeper. He’s proven in the Premier League, dominant in the air, vocal at the back, and a specialist in penalty situations. He also brings the mentality and experience of winning international honours — something this current United squad lacks.

 

For £34 million, this would not be a gamble. It would be a masterstroke.

 

💬 Player’s Camp “Waiting” for United’s Call

 

According to trusted reports from South American and English outlets, Martínez’s camp is now awaiting Manchester United’s approach, having made the player’s availability known to several top clubs. United are believed to be his preferred destination, due to the club’s global stature, competitive ambition, and strong Argentine history (including Ángel Di María, Marcos Rojo, and most recently, Lisandro Martínez).

 

Sources indicate that Martínez is eager to take the next step in his career — not just in terms of salary or league status, but to compete regularly in the Champions League and push for major domestic titles.

 

His current club, Aston Villa, while rising in reputation under Unai Emery, may struggle to maintain elite-level competitiveness if key players begin to leave. The £34 million price tag is seen as fair, especially given Martínez’s contributions and loyalty since his arrival from Arsenal.

 

🔍 A Transfer That Makes Sense

 

This is a deal that ticks all the boxes:

 

✅ World-class talent

 

✅ Proven Premier League experience

 

✅ International pedigree

 

✅ Reasonable price tag

 

✅ Desire to join the club

 

✅ Leadership and mentality upgrade

 

 

With United currently working on squad restructuring, including a likely clear-out of fringe players and salary-heavy veterans, this is a perfect opportunity to invest smartly.

 

The club’s new decision-makers under INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have vowed to be more football-driven and results-focused — and this could be a statement of that philosophy in action.

 

📊 Martinez’s 2023/24 Stats (All Competitions):

 

Matches Played: 48

 

Clean Sheets: 17

 

Save Percentage: 77%

 

Penalty Saves: 3

 

Average Goals Conceded Per Game: 0.89

 

Key Contributions: Multiple MOTM performances in UCL and PL

 

 

Compare that to many of Europe’s elite keepers, and Martínez holds his own — especially in terms of presence, reflexes, and late-game performances.

 

🧠 Tactical Considerations

 

If Martínez does arrive at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag would have an intriguing decision to make. Onana’s passing and distribution are unmatched, but Martínez offers more in terms of defensive command, consistency, and shot-stopping.

 

Some tactical analysts have already begun debating whether a rotational or horses-for-courses system might be introduced — for example, Onana playing in high-possession games, and Martínez used in intense, transitional, or cup matches.

 

Alternatively, Martínez could come in as first-choice, with Onana retained as a high-caliber backup or even sold if the right offer comes in — freeing up wages and funds.

 

Either way, the tactical flexibility and depth provided by having two elite keepers would be a massive boost for United’s ambitions.

 

🗣 Fan Reactions Pour In

 

The fanbase has reacted with excitement and curiosity to the news. On X (formerly Twitter), fans are already posting mocked-up images of Martínez in a United shirt.

 

> “£34m for the best goalkeeper at the World Cup? If United don’t make the call, it’s a huge mistake,” one fan posted.

 

 

 

> “Onana is decent, but Martínez is a monster when it matters most. He wins you trophies,” another added.

 

 

 

United forums and podcasts have already begun discussing the possible implications for the squad and the goalkeeper hierarchy.

 

🛫 What’s Next?

 

The ball is now in Manchester United’s court. The player’s club has confirmed the price tag. The player’s camp is ready and waiting. All that remains is the call — and with other clubs watching closely, time is of the essence.

 

If United act now, they could secure one of the world’s most respected goalkeepers for a fee that, in today’s market, feels like a bargain.

 

✅ Final Word

 

This is more than just a transfer opportunity. It’s a defining moment in Manchester United’s summer rebuild.

 

A player hailed by Lionel Messi — the greatest of all time — as “the best in the world” is ready to don the red shirt. The price is fair. The desire is there. The need is obvious.

 

Now, Manchester United must act.

 

This could be the signing that brings steel, security, an

d silverware back to Old Trafford.

 

 

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