Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez is reportedly being monitored by Manchester United as Erik ten Hag prepares to take over as the new manager.
According to Fichajes, Erik ten Hag is ready to raid his current club Ajax after taking over as Manchester United manager next season. The report claims that 24-year-old Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez is on the club’s radar along with three other players.
Signing a defender is high on Manchester United’s priority list, with captain Harry Maguire enduring a horrid season. The Englishman has come in for criticism following a string of poor performances at the heart of Manchester United’s defence. Not that other defenders have been much better, but Maguire’s form has left a lot to be desired.
Erik ten Hag’s impending arrival is expected to coincide with a major squad overhaul, and Manchester United have reportedly identified four players to sign in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Red Devils are targeting two Ajax players – Lisandro Martinez and winger Antony. Ten Hag is aware of both the players’ strengths and weaknesses so they will not have to struggle upon arrival in the English top-flight.
The other two players on Manchester United’s radar are Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane. Both these English internationals could cost a fortune, and Manchester United would thus want to save from other signings to splurge on the two Premier League stars.
As far as Martinez is concerned, the Argentine international joined Ajax in 2019 and has since gone on to make 120 appearances for the club across competitions. He slotted into the centre of the Ajax defence from his very-first season with them.
This season, the 24-year-old has made 37 appearances for Ajax across competitions, scoring once and assisting four goals. He is good on the ball, which would suit ten Hag’s system, and it would not be a surprise if the Dutch tactician gets him to Manchester United along with him.
Also Read: Three Ajax players that Erik ten Hag should sign at Manchester United
Manchester United have been linked with many other defenders, including the likes of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger and Villarreal’s Pau Torres. Rudiger looks set to join Real Madrid on a four-year deal, while Torres is on the radar of quite a few top clubs, including Chelsea.
