Neville’s plea for Dibu after slamming Licha Martínez and Cuti Romero

Former England star Gary Neville has publicly urged Chelsea to sign goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, after earlier lambasting Lisandro “Licha” Martínez and Cristian “Cuti” Romero for conceding goals ahead of the Argentina‑England World Cup semifinal. His comments came after the Blues’ 3‑2 win over Fulham, where goalkeeper errors were highlighted.

Neville slams Martínez and Romero

Before the Argentina‑England semifinal, Neville criticised Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero, saying they “gift a goal in each match”. He added that he could not see a way for the “Tres Leones” not to score at least two goals. Now, almost a month after having to swallow his words following the Albiceleste’s 2‑1 victory, he reiterated his demand.

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Neville’s request came after Chelsea, known as the Blues, beat Fulham 3‑2, a match marred by two goals stemming from errors by goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher had earlier singled out Sánchez, warning that the club must solve its goalkeeping problem. Neville echoed the criticism and used the platform to call for Dibu.

Neville said, “They have added an experienced central defender, central midfielder and central striker. I don’t know if Emi Martínez is available, but someone like him has to come to Chelsea, otherwise it will ruin everything they are doing.” He emphasized the need for a seasoned goalkeeper.

British media reported that Chelsea had been offered Dibu Martínez weeks earlier, but manager Xabi Alonso reportedly rejected the proposal. The offer had not materialised into a transfer.

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Dibu was also omitted from Aston Villa’s Premier League debut as manager Unai Emery rested him and other World Cup players. Villa suffered a 4‑0 defeat to Brighton in that match.

Dibu’s six‑year spell at Chelsea began in September 2020 after leaving Arsenal. He amassed 256 appearances and lifted the Europa League in the 2025/26 season with a 3‑0 victory over Freiburg in Istanbul. He renewed his contract in August 2024, extending it to June 2029, and will turn 34 on 2 September.

Juventus showed interest twice, first during the World Cup and again last week, with coach Luciano Spalletti reportedly obsessed with the Argentine. Birmingham’s asking price was €10,000,000, while Juventus offered €7,000,000 plus €3,000,000 in variables. The Italian club hesitated due to a finger injury Dibu suffered before the World Cup.

Instead, Juventus secured Tottenham’s 1.94‑metre goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on a one‑year loan with a purchase option close to €10,000,000. Vicario is expected to be the club’s first‑choice keeper.

Chelsea also blocked Dibu’s path by signing 23‑year‑old Japanese international Zion Suzuki from Parma for €35,000,000. Suzuki will compete with Dutch goalkeeper Marco Bizot, the usual backup for the Argentine.

Dibu’s market value stands at €12,000,000, though Chelsea might let him leave for less. The English transfer window closes on the night of 1 September, leaving limited time for a move.