Aston Villa line up ter Stegen as potential Martinez successor
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
December 2025
Aston Villa are weighing a move for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as they prepare contingency plans in case Emiliano Martinez leaves. With Martinez attracting interest across Europe, Villa are assessing elite options who fit Unai Emery’s possession-focused style from the back. Ter Stegen, no longer undisputed number one for club or country, could be available as Barcelona seek to trim their wage bill. Villa see his experience, distribution and high-level pedigree as ideal if they must replace Martinez, though any deal would require significant financial commitment.