Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Ajax center-back Lisandro Martinez, who is set to leave this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to sign Lisandro Martinez. The Ajax center-back has become the main defensive target for coach Erik ten Hag, and it looks like club 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 set to leave in the summer, to take the next step in his career. But Ajax are unwilling to sell him under a reduced price deal, after rejecting Manchester United’s € 50 million offer last week.
Product of the Newell Old Boys, the same academy that gave rise to a certain Lionel Messi, Martínez has had a smooth success since his move to Ajax in the summer of 2019. During his three years at the club, he has accumulated 118 competitive appearances. , establishing himself as one of Ajax’s best players in the process.
Martinez is perhaps not the most impressive future, with 1.75 m. But it makes up for his lack of height, with his ability to read the game and stay ahead of the opponent at all times. The Argentine international also offers an incredible ethic of defensive work and is willing to commit to any challenge.
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These qualities have made the 24-year-old an ideal target for Manchester United, who have so far seemed quite unlucky in the market. The Red Devils have identified Frenkie de Jong as their priority target this summer, but the movement of the Barcelona superstar seems unlikely.
The club has explored the possibility of signing other players as well, but has only ended up signing Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. However, with just one month to go before the new season begins, the Premier League giants are moving forward with their main goals, which include Lisandro Martinez.
With Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in form problems, Erik ten Hag considers that the incorporation of the 24-year-old Argentine international is a necessary step in the club’s commitment to solving the defensive problems for 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, apparently open to a sale, Manchester United could be close to a second signing of the summer.