Although Manchester United are “accustomed” to flipping up record amounts (Harry Maguire) for a defender, £57 million in 2022 money is a stiff price for an Eredivisie player. Erik ten Hag was supposed to bring Lisandro Martinez with him, four years later the Argentine is not part of Manchester United’s plans, it is reported.
Martinez’s contract expires in the summer, but according to the Daily Mail , United have an option in the deal that allows for an extension for another year. United can take advantage of this option, but according to the English newspaper, only to prevent the £57 million investment from strolling out of Old Trafford for free. Then there will be a direct sale in 2027.
READ: Believes Manchester United are imbued with weak leadership
After Martinez’s open criticism of the sporting director – and a new injury against Leeds – the Argentine is said to be out of United’s plan in 2027. It is also part of the story that the Argentine has missed around 100 official games due to injury over the course of four years.
For now, space will be cleared for Jarrad Branthwaite, as a direct replacement for Martinez. Everton have held on to their English centre-back giant and kept Manchester United and other clubs at a distance so far, but several English media outlets report that the 24-year-old is still at the top of the wish list for the central defender at Old Trafford.
Read on English Clubs: Mac Allister now understands why it was a mess with Arne Slot as Liverpool manager
With Lisandro Martinez out in 2027, this makes room for an investment in the long-term centre-back solution, Branthwaite.
