Manchester United Agrees to Sign Ajax Lisandro Martinez with £46m deal
Manchester United have reached agreement with Ajax for defender Lisandro Martinez. Personal terms have also been agreed with Martinez, 24, and United are hoping he can join them on their pre-season tour in Australia.
The Argentine was not present for the Dutch club’s training session on Thursday, with Ajax opting to leave him out as they didn’t want to threaten his move to Old Trafford.
United had two bids rejected for Martinez, and they faced competition from Arsenal for the Argentine’s signature. But Lisandro had made it clear to Ajax that he wanted to fulfil his dream of moving to the Premier League this summer and will reunite with his former boss Erik ten Hag, with whom he has a strong bond.
A £46m deal has now been agreed for both parties, with Ajax extracting their asking price for the 24-year-old and United getting a left-footed centre-back in return.
Martinez is also adept at left-back and defensive midfield, and will give United versatility in what is a uniquely-challenging season with a World Cup midway through the campaign.
The defender becomes United’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of Tyrell Malacia.
Martinez played 36 times for Ajax last season and has made seven appearances for Argentina.
While in Australia, United play Melbourne Victory on Friday, followed by Crystal Palace on Tuesday and then Aston Villa on Saturday.
