After five successful years with the Midlands club, the 31-year-old seemed poised for a new challenge this summer. Martinez even bid an emotional farewell to supporters at the end of last season, which has fuelled speculation that his time at Villa Park was coming to an end. At one point, financial pressures tied to the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) had suggested Villa might be open to parting ways with some of their stars. However, the recent sale of the club’s women’s team has eased those concerns, giving them greater leverage in negotiations.