English Premier League giants Man United are close to signing Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez on a £46 million transfer fee, and the deal might be completed later today, July 14, 2022.
Things had been progressing favorably since Wednesday, thanks to the Dutch club’s CEO and former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar who’s helping the negotiations. After extensive negotiations on Wednesday, Ajax agreed to accept a new offer from United after rejecting their earlier one of £42.5 million plus add-ons.
They have already identified Mykola Matvienko from Shakhtar Donetsk as a potential replacement for Lisandro.
As soon as he learned that Arsenal and then United were interested in signing him, the Argentine international Lisandro made it clear to the Ajax board that he wanted to leave.
The Argentinian has a friendly relationship with Erik ten Hag, the United coach, and the two have recently spoken about his future.
Lisandro Martinez was Ajax player of the year last season and he helped Erik ten Hag to win the Dutch league championship before he left.
The 23-year-old defender has won three league championships since joining from Defensa y Justicia in 2019.
The defender who stands just 5 feet 9 inches tall, is a good one-on-one player, a strong reader of the game, and a skilled passer of the ball. He can play at center back, left back, and holding midfield.
Former Man United defender Jaap Stam thinks the Ajax and Argentine defender could excel at Old Trafford. Lisandro Martinez is also a fan favorite at Ajax.
Manchester United are closing on Lisandro Martinez deal: new round of talks scheduled today with Ajax to reach full agreement for €50m plus add-ons, after the meeting in Amsterdam. Payment terms, one of the final steps. 🔴🇦🇷 #MUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2022
Lisandro made his choice: Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/Z8U8bK9CDN
Man United already have six defenders in their squad but could sell three and Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones, and Eric Bailly are the most likely candidates to leave this summer.
Amid Napoli’s interest, Bailly impressed against Liverpool on Tuesday and has said he intends to compete for a spot. The 28-year-old has recently wanted to depart because he felt he wasn’t given a fair shot, even though unexpected injuries limited his progress.
Meanwhile, United have called 19-year-old Will Fish to Melbourne for the second game of their preseason tour to fill in at center-half for Tuanzebe, who has returned to his home country, and full-back Alex Telles, who was forced to play in central defense against Liverpool.
On the other hand, Erik ten Hag and Man United are still fighting to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer as John Murtough and Richard Arnold met with Barca executives this week.
The Netherlands midfielder and reps are asking Barcelona to pay up the £17m plus he is owed in wages by which he agreed to leave during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Barça are planning to pay up over the years as the Dutchman still has four years left in his contract with the club. However, a transfer for the midfielder this summer means that Barcelona will pay in full before he leaves.
