According to latest reports, Manchester United are on the cusp of signing versatile defender Lisandro Martinez from Ajax. The Red Devils had a breakthrough in talks, reaching an agreement over the transfer fee with the Eredivisie club to sign the Argentinian defender.
The Erik ten Hag era is well underway as the Red Devils have powered through their second pre-season game, defeating Melbourne Victory FC 4-1. Before that, United had defeated the 2022 UEFA Champions League finalists and their biggest rivals, Liverpool by a margin of four goals to nil. The Dutch manager has given the team’s playing style a new look and is planning to do the same with its roster too.
The club have already signed Tyrell Malacia from Dutch side Feyenoord and Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, with the new management aiming to shape the team into their mould. Nevertheless, it seems like Malacia won’t be the only defensive reinforcement that the club have in store.
As reported by BBC, Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez. The Red Devils have agreed on a €55m (£46m) deal – €50m up front and €5m in add-ons. The defender has flown to Manchester for a medical and complete the remaining procedures to seal a move.
According to the latest update by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, a full agreement is in place between the two clubs. Personal terms had already been agreed, with the player set to sign a five-year deal with the Old Trafford club until 2027.
Agreement of personal terms with Lisandro Martinez was never an issue for United, since the Ajax player had his heart set on a move to the Theatre of Dreams. The Red Devils faced stiff competition from Premier League rivals, Arsenal, who contested the Argentine’s signature, but couldn’t reach an agreement with the Dutch club.
Lisandro Martínez to Manchester United, here we go! Full agreement in place between Man United and Ajax for package up to €55m. Lisandro will sign until 2027, documents now approved. 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Deal done – meeting in Amsterday on Wednesday was the key step. Ten Hag, big factor. pic.twitter.com/qyYskmgNMU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2022
The Italian transfer expert reported that a major reason behind the Lisandro Martinez deal finally reaching its climax is owed to United officials making a trip to Amsterdam to discuss terms with the officials at Ajax. There’s a major feeling in the United corner that the meeting in Amsterdam was KEY for the move to ever materialise.
The 24-year-old defender arrived arrived at the Eredivisie club from the Argentinian club Defensa y Justicia in 2019. He currently features in the left-sided centre-back position for Ajax but is also adept at fulfilling his duties at left-back and holding midfield positions.
According to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, the Gunners were moving for Lisandro Martinez in a bid to provide Kieran Tierney with some competition in the left-back role while United see the Ajax man as a centre-back who could help them to play out from the back. The Argentine will be expected to provide stiff competition to Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof.
Despite being 5′10″ in height, the centre-back is dominant in the air. The 24-year-old is best known for his ball-carrying capabilities as well as progressive passing. According to stats from Fbref, the young defender is one of the best ball-playing CBs in the Eredivisie and perhaps, even the top 5 leagues. It is clear why Ten Hag wants to reunite with his former player. The player will provide some much-needed competition to the very susceptible defence existing at Old Trafford right now.
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Martinez’s departure will make it the eighth player to leave the Dutch champions in this window. The exit of key players such as Sebastian Haller, Ryan Gravenberch, Noussair Mazraoui and Andre Onana are big blows to the title-winning side. However, the Dutch club are known for their ability to bounce back from transfer windows such as these.
The Argentine recently also missed training at the Eredivisie club, strongly suggesting that a move away from the club was imminent. Martinez will end up becoming United’s third signing of the summer transfer window, indicating that the club’s recruitment team are finally picking up pace and focusing on all possible options to fill out the gaps in the current squad.
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