Manchester United agree Lisandro Martinez deal with Ajax worth £45m

Manchester United are on the verge of completing their third summer signing after agreeing a £45m deal with Ajax for Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez. United manager Erik ten Hag was keen to be reunited with …

Manchester United agree Lisandro Martinez deal with Ajax worth £45m

Manchester United are on the verge of completing their third summer signing after agreeing a £45m deal with Ajax for Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez.

United manager Erik ten Hag was keen to be reunited with the 24-year-old, who he signed for Ajax in 2019.

The Dutch club was reluctant to let Martinez leave but United chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough progressed the deal when they visited Amsterdam last week.

Martinez prefers to play on the left side of two central defenders and Ten Hag appeared to be planning for his arrival with his team selection against Melbourne Victory on Friday when he moved captain Harry Maguire from his normal left-sided role to the right.

  • For more on Man Utd’s transfer plans, new kit launch, and summer tour, go to our club page
Instagram picture of agent Christian Bragarnik and Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez with caption reading 'heading to Manchester'

 

Martinez has flown to Manchester for a medical and to wrap up the remaining elements of the transfer, including getting a visa.

It is thought unlikely he will fly to Australia to play any part in United’s current tour and instead will link up with his new teammates when they return to England on 24 July.

It has been a busy few days for United’s recruiting staff.

On Friday, they confirmed Christian Eriksen had signed a three-year contract while efforts continue to lure Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford from Barcelona.

Dutch full-back Tyrell Malacia was their first summer signing at the start of the month.

  • Could Eriksen be Ten Hag’s ‘most important signing?

How to follow Manchester United on the BBC banner

  • Our coverage of Manchester United is bigger and better than ever before – here’s everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment
  • Everything United – go straight to all the best content