Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez, who is ready to depart this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to sign Lisandro Martinez. The Ajax centre-back has emerged as the top defensive target for coach Erik ten Hag, and it appears the club’s representatives are currently in Amsterdam, in an attempt to reach an agreement with Ajax.
Manchester United have already agreed personal terms with Martinez, who is prepared to leave in the summer, in order to take the next step in his career. But Ajax are not willing to sell him on a cut-price deal, having rejected Manchester United’s €50 million bid last week.
A product of the Newell Old Boys’, the same academy that produced a certain Lionel Messi, Martinez has enjoyed seamless success since his move to Ajax in the summer of 2019. During his three years at the club, he has racked up 118 competitive appearances, establishing himself as one of the best performers for Ajax in the process.
Martinez might not be the most imposing future, standing at 1.75m. But he makes up for his lack of height, with his ability to read the game and stay on top of the opponent at all times. The Argentine international offers an incredible defensive work ethic as well and is willing to commit himself to any challenge.
Such qualities have made the 24-year-old an ideal target for Manchester United, who have appeared quite unlucky in the market so far. The Red Devils have identified Frenkie de Jong as their priority target this summer, but the move for the Barcelona superstar appears unlikely.
The club have explored the possibility to sign other players as well, but have only ended up signing Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. However, with just a month remaining before the new season gets underway, the Premier League giants are now pushing ahead with their top targets, which include Lisandro Martinez.
With Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof both struggling with form, Erik ten Hag considers the addition of the 24-year-old Argentine international a necessary step in the club’s bid to resolve the defensive issues heading into the new season. Martinez can offer excellent competition in the defensive unit and potentially create a formidable partnership alongside Raphael Varane next season.
With personal terms now agreed with Martinez and Ajax reportedly open to a sale, Manchester United could be closing in on the second signing of the summer.