It is understandable for players to want to play in Champions League. Aston Villa missing out on that competition could end up proving to be the difference in several business aspects of the club. The situation, however, is not that dire to where it means losing out on Emiliano Martínez to the Süper Lig in Türkiye.
The latest rumor from Transfer News Live, which received the initial speculation from Sami Yen Haber on X, has the Villa number one going to Galatasaray.
Sure, making that switch would mean playing in Champions League next year. And to their credit, Galatasaray have won their domestic league three times in a row. It is safe to say, however, that Beşiktaş had a down year. Fenerbahçe, furthermore, is just as likely as any of the top three teams to have a good 2025-2026.
That is to say, with only the top position in the standings earning an automatic Champions League qualification spot, playing in Europa League is just as likely in Türkiye as it would be in the Premier League on a yearly basis.
It is understandable for a player to want to play in Europe's top competition, and the Süper Lig does provide a competitive and unique atmosphere for players to play in. It is a league that has entertaining matches and provides fans a unique thumbprint in the sport.
Unlikely deal should not be taken seriously regarding Aston Villa keeper
The notion of playing in Champions League alone cannot be the sole basis for Martínez allegedly wanting out, however. Failure to advance means that basing a decision solely off that basis is for a run of eight matches.
Perhaps Martínez wants to go to Türkiye and embrace a new challenge in a different environment. Something like that is always a possibility. To pose this option as an almost certainty simply on the basis of Champions League does not add up.