Manchester United set to sign Lisandro Martinez

Premier League side Manchester United have reached a 57 million pounds agreement with Dutch Eredivisie side Ajax to sign Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez.

The 24-year-old is expected to move to Old Trafford on a five-year deal, although his signing is still subjected to a work permit and a medical.

Lisandro Martinez, who once played for Newell’s Old Boys and Defensa Y Justicia in Argentina, has played 120 matches for Ajax.

He joined Ajax in 2019 from Defensa, and his previous Argentina clubs will get £2.2M in solidarity fees.

The seven-cap Argentina international is still under a contract with Ajax until 2025, as said by the Dutch champions.

“The transfer is still subject to a medical examination and the contractual agreement of both clubs with the player. The defender is still under contract with Ajax until June 30, 2025. Ajax agreed on a transfer fee of 57.37m euros with the English side. That amount can increase to 67.37m euros through variables.” Ajax said in a statement.

Lisandro Martinez will be Manchester United’s third signing under new manager Erik ten Hag after the signature of Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen, who was announced at the start of the weekend.

Tyrell Malacia joined United from Feyenoord, while Eriksen moved in on a free transfer after the end of his contract with Brentford last season.

It will be a reunion for Erik Ten Hag and Lisandro Martinez as the Argentine played under him between 2019 and 2022 when Ten Hag was the manager of the club.

Martinez also finished as the club’s best player for the 2021/2022 season. Manchester United are on a pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, where they have played a match each in both countries.

Their first game was a 4-0 victory over Liverpool in Bangkok and a 4-1 win against Melbourne Victory.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu