Manchester United and Ajax have reached an agreement on the transfer of Lisandro Martinez, and the deal is expected to be finalized soon as per reports.
The Athletic previously stated that United were making a lot of effort to close this transaction. Martinez is rumored to desire to join the Premier League and work under Erik ten Hag again, his previous manager.
Although Arsenal showed interest, the player would rather join Manchester United. Ajax valued the player at €45 million, including add-ons, which was less than United’s initial offer.
A contract of €55 million has finally been reached with the Red Devils. Having his man, who will fit in well with the Dutchman’s system, will make Ten Hag a very happy man this summer.
Martinez’s adaptability will be essential if United were to use several formations. The Argentine will help to control the defense because he is a leader on and off the field.
Fans of United will also be thrilled to gain a head start on their rivals at Arsenal, who were also rumored to have a strong interest in the 24-year-old player.
Martinez needs to obtain international permission, as United are hoping that he could go to Australia and take part in the preseason tour.
Lisandro Martínez
Argentine professional footballer Lisandro Martnez (born 18 January 1998) primarily plays center back for Eredivisie club Ajax and the Argentina national team.
Before beginning his career at Defensa y Justicia in 2017, Martinez spent time at Newell’s Old Boys.
He joined Ajax in 2019 and has since taken home two Eredivisie championships and one KNVB Cup. In the 2021–22 season, he was named Ajax Player of the Year.
Martnez made his senior international debut in March 2019 after representing Argentina at the under-20 and under-23 levels.
He was part of the Argentine team that captured the Copa América in 2021 and the Finalissima in 2022.
How will Martinez fit into Manchester United
Martinez’s primary position is that of a center back, although he is also versatile enough to play left back and central midfielder, and he has done so for both Defensa y Justicia and Ajax at various points in his career.
He is a center-back who likes to play the ball and is renowned for both his versatility and calmness when passing.
He averaged more passes per 90 minutes than any other player in the 2021–22 Eredivisie season.
Honors
Ajax
- Eredivisie: 2020–21, 2021–22
- KNVB Cup: 2020–21
- Johan Cruyff Shield: 2019
Argentina
- Copa América: 2021
- CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions: 2022
Individual
- Ajax Player of the Year (Rinus Michels Award): 2021–22
