Man United finally strike a £55.3m deal with Ajax for defender Lisandro Martinez… with the Argentine to sign a £120,000-a-week contract as Erik ten Hag makes his third summer signing
- Manchester United have come to an agreement with Ajax for Lisandro Martinez
- The central defender will end up costing them £55.3m, including add-ons
- Martinez is set to sign a five-year contract worth £120,000-per-week
- He is United’s third summer signing after Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen
Manchester United have confirmed that the club have reached an agreement with Ajax over a £55.3million deal for Lisandro Martinez.
The 24-year-old Argentina centre-back, who flew into the UK on Friday to complete the transfer, still needs to undergo a medical and obtain a visa.
However, United don’t anticipate any problems and the deal is expected go through in the coming days.
Lisandro Martinez is heading for Old Trafford after Man United and Ajax reached an agreement
He is set to be reunited with Erik ten Hag after the pair worked together at Ajax
United will pay an initial £46.8m plus £8.5m in add-ons, making Martinez the second most expensive defender in the club’s history after Harry Maguire.
He will sign a five-year contract with the option of a one-year extension worth £120,000-a-week.
The two clubs formally announced confirmation on Sunday that a fee had been agreed so Ajax could inform the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.
A club statement from United read: ‘Manchester United is delighted to announce the club has reached agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Argentine international defender Lisandro Martinez, subject to medical, to player terms being finalised, and to UK visa requirements.’
Martinez becomes United’s third signing of the summer after Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen.
Martinez is now the second most expensive defender in United’s history behind Harry Maguire
He played under new United manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax after moving from South America in 2019, winning two Eredivisie titles and the Dutch Cup during his three-year stay in Amsterdam.
United moved for him after missing out on signing his Ajax team-mate Jurrien Timber earlier this summer.
The Dutchman opted to stay in Amsterdam due to having concerns about his playing time heading into this year’s World Cup.
Martinez quickly became the Red Devils’ main target, although they initially faced competition for his signature from Arsenal.
United have already signed left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord this summer
United have also signed Christian Eriksen on a free transfer after his spell at Brentford ended
However, United quickly moved ahead of the Gunners in the race, and when Martinez informed Ajax that he wanted to move to the Premier League club it seemed like only a matter of time before he got his wish.
Martinez will join a pool of four senior centre-backs at Old Trafford that includes Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.
He is the only left-footed player out of that quartet, which could add greater balance to Ten Hag’s back line.
United will listen to offers for Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk