Unai Emery could safeguard the Aston Villa goalkeeper position for years to come with a decision on Joe Gauci this summer.
Joe Gauci joined Aston Villa from Adelaide United in February, with the 24-year-old outgrowing the A-League with his impressive performances.
A highly-rated goalkeeper who already has three senior Australia appearances to his name, Gauci has been a feature of pre-season.
Much of this owes to the fact that undisputed number one Emi Martinez was busy winning Copa America with Argentina and has only just returned to Bodymoor Heath.
However, Gauci has seen the goalkeeper minutes shared with Robin Olsen with many tipping the young stopper to usurp the 34-year-old.
It may be too soon for that, though, and Unai Emery could instead ensure Gauci is ready to stake his claim next summer.
Unai Emery should sanction Joe Gauci loan this season
Olsen was called upon more than he likely would have expected last season due to injury to Martinez at the business end of the campaign.
Whilst there was an obvious drop in quality when compared to Martinez, Olsen proved to be a sufficient back-up.
With Emery guiding Villa into the Champions League this season, it is not a year to take risks in such a key position and the Spanish coach should therefore keep Olsen at the club as his second-choice goalkeeper.
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This in turn means that Emery can sanction a loan for Gauci which will see him gain invaluable experience ready to take Olsen’s role next season.
It would be wise for Gauci to be sent to the Championship where he can get to grips with English football and play regularly outside of the intense spotlight of the Premier League.
Gauci could be Aston Villa goalkeeper for next decade
Gauci is incredibly highly-rated in his homeland, with Adelaide United manager Carl Veart saying in 2023: “Since signing for Adelaide United, Joe has worked extremely hard and earned his spot as the club’s number one goalkeeper.
“Joe’s ceiling is very high and if he continues to have a positive work ethic and be disciplined in his approach to his football, there’s no reason he can’t be the Socceroos’ No.1.”
A successful loan spell could see Gauci return to the club in summer 2025 ready to stake his claim for a starting berth at Villa Park, particularly as Martinez is likely to remain very high on a number of top European clubs’ shopping lists.
It could prove a masterstroke from Emery, planning Gauci’s development perfectly as a contingency plan for any potential Martinez exit.
