Manchester United are set to announce Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez as their player as per journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils are scouring the market for new players, having managed to bring in defender Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen so far. Erik ten Hag would want the club to complete the summer’s transfer business as quickly as possible as he prepares his squad for the start of the new campaign.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have completed a deal to sign Martinez and the Argentine will sign a contract until June 2027. Romano added that the club could announce the deal soon.
Here’s Lisandro Martínez together with his agent flying to Manchester from Amsterdam. Deal completed, club announcement to follow soon. Contract signed until June 2027. 🔴🛩🇦🇷 #MUFC
Manchester United are set to unveil Lisandro as 3d signing after Malacia and Eriksen. pic.twitter.com/UNORC0zgah
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2022
Martinez, 24, is apparently keen to work under his former manager—Ten Hag—once again. The Argentina international played under Ten Hag for three seasons in Amsterdam, winning two league titles in the process. For his stellar displays in Ajax’s title-winning campaign last term, he won the Club’s Player of the Year.
Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United – What will he add to the team?
After such a disappointing season that saw Manchester United concede a record number of goals in their Premier League history, defensive reinforcements are high on Erik Ten Hag’s summer wishlist. Tyrell Malacia appears to be an exciting signing, but Ten Hag clearly wants more additions to his backline for the new campaign.
The Dutch tactician is aware of the job he has at the club and has clearly shown a preference for targeting players he has worked with before in his first transfer window. One of those is Lisandro Martinez, who has been at Ajax since 2019. He has performed consistently for Ajax over the years but is keen on taking the next step in his career.
Martinez is a left-footed centre-back who is equally comfortable operating at left-back and in midfield. Extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet, the Argentinean allows a smooth build-up from the back and can initiate attacks with his exquisite long passing range. He is a quick, smart, aggressive, and dogged customer who never hesitates to make his presence felt on his opponent with sliding tackles and challenges.
Despite being 5ft 9ins tall—relatively short for a central defender—the 24-year-old is competent in air and can win aerial duels against physically dominating forwards. Being a left-footed player, Martinez would bring balance to Manchester United’s backline—something which Ten Hag is certainly looking for.
None of Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane or Victor Lindelof produced consistent performances at the back last season, while Eric Bailly and Phil Jones continued to warm the benches. Thus, the addition of a player of Martinez’s qualities would be crucial for the Red Devils, with Ten Hag adept at getting the best out of him.
Any fee north of £42million (h/t The Guardian) for Martinez would be a big investment from Manchester United, but it looks like it would be good business to further strengthen a key area.