Manchester United have reportedly made a bid stride in their pursuit of Lisandro Martinez and could sign the Argentine defender for €55 million.
A recent report from De Telegraaf has offered an update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Lisandro Martinez. The Ajax starlet has emerged as the top defensive target for the Premier League giants this summer, with the club’s officials currently in Amsterdam to negotiate an agreement with Ajax.
The report suggests Manchester United are one step closer to succeeding in the negotiations after tabling an offer of around €55 million. Ajax CEO and former Manchester United goalkeeper has given his seal of approval for Martinez’s potential move to Old Trafford this summer. The player himself has agreed personal terms with the club as well.
If everything goes smoothly, the Argentine international is poised to become the second signing for Manchester United ahead of the new season, after Tyrell Malacia. The young left-back was roped in from Feyenoord, in order to offer competition for Luke Shaw in the season ahead.
Erik ten Hag will be hoping Martinez can offer a similar prospect and add some healthy competition in the Manchester United central defensive unit that has struggled to offer enough solidity over the past twelve months.
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
Lisandro made his choice: Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/Z8U8bK9CDN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2022
With Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof underperforming, and Raphael Varane struggling with fitness issues, there is a dearth of reliable defensive options that can help Manchester United rediscover the solidity that helped them finish second in the Premier League in 2020/21.
The Red Devils are hoping Lisandro Martinez will be the man to resolve their issues at the back. Standing at just 1.75m, the Argentine defender might not be the tallest of centre-backs, but his dogged defensive mentality, coupled with his ability to read the game should make him an ideal partner for someone like Varane or Maguire at the heart of the Manchester United.
In addition to his qualities at the back, Martinez offers considerable experience at the highest level. He has featured in over 100 competitive matches for Ajax and is regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in his native Argentina.
Manchester United, though, would have ideally liked to pay less for Martinez given that the 24-year-old does not have a track record of performing in any of Europe’s top five leagues. So the onus of extracting the best out of the Argentine will be on new coach ten Hag, who has worked with him during their time together at Ajax.
