Former footballer and pundit Redknapp has described Chelsea’s signing of Emiliano Martinez as a “very shrewd” move, saying the goalkeeper’s experience and ability could help address one of the club’s biggest concerns.
Speaking to football.london, Redknapp said Martinez would give Chelsea a stronger option in goal and provide the team with a much-needed sense of security in that position. He suggested the club’s previous goalkeeper was not convincing enough for Chelsea to be taken seriously if he remained their first choice throughout the season.
Redknapp made the comments when asked whether Brentford’s signing of Sangare represented the best transfer of the summer. While acknowledging that deal, he identified Martinez as another particularly intelligent piece of business.
“Yes, for me, there’s also E. Martinezthat’s a very shrewd signing,” he said.
Redknapp then questioned whether Chelsea could realistically challenge at the highest level if they continued with their former goalkeeper.
“If Chelsea continues with that goalkeeper this season, you can’t take them seriously. Of course, I’m not saying he won’t have a very successful career, it’s just that it might not be at Chelsea anymore.”
The former player believes Martinez’s arrival could change the outlook for Chelsea, with the goalkeeper’s experience and quality expected to ease the doubts that have surrounded the position.
“But with E. Martinez’s experience and ability, I think this will give Chelsea a very good opportunity.”
Goalkeeper has been one of the areas most frequently questioned at Chelsea, according to Redknapp. He said the club’s supporters and observers had repeatedly asked whether their goalkeeper was good enough to meet the demands placed on the team.
“That’s what everyone questions about them: ‘Is the goalkeeper good enough?’ And he certainly is good enough.”
Redknapp’s assessment makes Martinez’s signing central to the discussion around Chelsea’s recruitment. His view is that the Argentina goalkeeper can provide the standard required for the club and remove a major source of uncertainty from the squad.
The comments came in the context of a wider conversation about the summer’s most effective transfers, with Sangare’s move to Brentford also highlighted. However, Redknapp ultimately placed particular emphasis on Chelsea’s decision to bring in Martinez, describing it as a smart and timely addition.
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