Bizot swaps Brest for Aston Villa amid Martinez uncertainty

Aston Villa have confirmed the arrival of Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizot for an undisclosed transfer fee. 

Bizot, who made 148 appearances across all competitions for the French side, is also capped by the Netherlands. 

The 34-year-old joins Unai Emery's ranks following the departure of Robin Olsen, who left Villa Park after his contract expired at the end of June.

Bizot played 41 times for Brest in all competitions last season, with nine of those outings coming in the Champions League. 

Only Brice Samba (12) and Lucas Chevalie (11) kept more clean sheets in Ligue 1 in 2024-25 than Bizot (10, level with Lucas Perri and Djordje Petrovic). 

He also made the joint-third highest number of catches in the division, but only averaged a save percentage of 58.14% from his 32 league matches. 

Bizot becomes Villa's second signing of the summer window, having already welcomed Zepiqueno Redmond from Feyenoord at the start of this month. 

His arrival could perhaps be an indication of Emiliano Martinez's future, having been linked with a move to Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and clubs in Saudi Arabia. 

Reports have also suggested that Villa are keen to explore a deal for Liverpool's Harvey Elliott, who is seeking regular first-team football away from Anfield.