Manchester United have finalised the signing of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, with the Argentina international defender making his way to Old Trafford bringing an end to a lengthy transfer saga.
Erik ten Hag, who just moved from the Eredivisie champions to the Premier League giants, immediately identified the 24-year-old as a top target.
Now that he has his man, the Red Devils’ defence line has been strengthened by the addition of a player who will be keen to make an impression in a new setting, particularly with the 2022 World Cup drawing near.
How Much Will Manchester United Pay For Martinez?
The Red Devils are putting their faith in Martinez by investing £46.5 million ($53 million) for another big-money center-half.
Ajax confirmed that after add-ons and other factors are taken into account, the transfer’s value might reach £57 million ($68 million).
How Long Is Martinez’s Contract At Man Utd?
Martinez is expected to sign a five-year contract in Manchester that will last until the summer of 2027.
What Have Man Utd Said On Martinez’s Transfer?
United have issued an official statement confirming that an agreement has been reached with Ajax, which reads: “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.”
An agreement has been reached for the transfer of Lisandro Martinez 🔴🇦🇷#MUFC || @LisandrMartinez
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 17, 2022
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Were There Any Other Clubs Interested In Martinez?
United were not the only Premier League club to pursue Martinez during the current transfer window, with old rivals Arsenal also interested at one point.
Arsenal had a formal offer on the table, but interest from Emirates Stadium had cooled due to an inability to agree on a fee.
That cleared the way for the Red Devils to reach an agreement, with former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who is now Ajax’s chief executive, apparently assisting in the negotiations.
Who Else Will Manchester United Sign This Summer?
Much of the attention in recent weeks has centred on Cristiano Ronaldo and his desire to join a trophy-chasing rival.
United are working hard to bring in more players, with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong at the top of their summer shopping list for some time.
In addition to Martinez, who Ten Hag also knows well from his time at Ajax, there are a number of other players with ties to the Eredivisie giants that the Dutch coach has his eye on. A deal to sign the Netherlands international from Barcelona is now close, and the player is another whom Ten Hag knows well from his time at Ajax.
Who Will Manchester United Add This Summer?
There has been speculation that Brazilian forwards Antony will go from Amsterdam to Manchester, but Jurrien Timber appears to be staying in the Netherlands.
While attempting to lure a right-back to Old Trafford, Ten Hag has completed the signing of Tyrell Malacia, a highly rated 22-year-old left-back from Feyenoord.
Christian Eriksen also completed his free transfer from Brentford, and a backup goalkeeper may be added now that Dean Henderson has left on loan to Nottingham Forest.
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