Manchester United and Ajax negotiators have laid the groundwork for an agreement on the transfer of Lisandro Martinez, subject to the approval of club owners, according to top Dutch journalist Mike Verweij.
Former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who is now CEO of Ajax, was key to joining the deal.
The journalist tweeted “#Ajax and #MUFC about to agree on #Martinez after hours of meeting in Amsterdam.
“Main role @ vdsar1970.
“Transfer commission with maximum bonuses close to 55 million.
“Clubs with duties on payment terms to the supervisory board (Ajax) and owners (ManU).”
🏴 NEWS: #Ajax and #MUFC are about to agree on #Martinez after a few hours of meeting in Amsterdam. Main paper @ vdsar1970. Transfer commission with maximum bonuses close to 55 million. Clubs with payable duties on the supervisory board (Ajax) and owners (ManU).
– Mike Verweij (@MikeVerweij) July 13, 2022
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news, saying:
“Lisandro Martínez at Manchester United is imminent! The board’s mission in Amsterdam revealed yesterday is described as “positive, successful”
“Long meeting with Ajax, an agreement closed for more than 50 million euros.
“Final talks tomorrow: Man Utd expects to seal the deal in 24/48 hours.”
Lisandro Martínez at Manchester United, is imminent! The board’s mission in Amsterdam revealed that yesterday it is described as “positive, successful”. 🚨🇦🇷 #MUFC
Long meeting with Ajax, agreement closed for more than 50 million euros.
Final talks tomorrow: Man Utd expects to seal the deal in 24/48 hours. pic.twitter.com/NmSs2VWh1S
– Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2022
The deal comes after United negotiators went to Amsterdam today to negotiate face-to-face.
Having set a starting price of 50 million euros, the Dutch team appeared to be moving the sticks this week and increasing their demand to 60 million euros.
In the end, after the player’s requests for him to be allowed to move, it looks like a compromise has been reached.
Martinez is primarily a center-left defender, who raises questions about Harry Maguire’s future at United.
However, he can also play as a central defensive midfielder, a position in which United have no numbers.