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Football

13th Jul 2022

Man United close to signing Argentinian defender Lisandro Martinez from Ajax

Robert Redmond

Man United look set to make their second signing of the summer.

Manchester United are close to signing Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, according to reports.

The Argentinian defender, 24, could become the club’s second signing of the summer.

If the transfer goes through, Martinez will also be reunited with new United manager Erik ten Hag, who worked alongside him at Ajax.

man united lisandro martinez

Man United close to signing Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.

Man United are edging closer to signing Martinez from Ajax, according to The Times.

The Dutch club are said to have ‘accepted defeat’ in their efforts to keep the central defender at the club. Ajax originally rejected approaches for the player from Man United and Arsenal, but have softened their stance.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the player has already agreed on personal terms with the Red Devils.

Martinez could cost Man United over €50m and would become the club’s second signing of the summer after Tyrell Malacia, the Dutch full-back who arrived at Old Trafford from Feyenoord.

The defender joined Ajax from the Argentinian team Defensa y Justicia in 2019 and went on to play 120 times for the Amsterdam side.

The 24-year-old, who has earned seven caps for Argentina, can also play in midfield and at left-back. If he joins Man United, he will become the club’s seventh first-team centre-back.

Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones are the senior central defenders currently in the squad.

man united lisandro martinez

Man United could be one piece away from sorting out their biggest problem after a massive transfer boost.

Meanwhile, Man United are reportedly on the verge of signing Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen on a free transfer.

It also appears that Cristiano Ronaldo may be leaning towards remaining at Old Trafford after several clubs reportedly rejected the chance to sign the forward.

Paris Saint-Germain are the latest European super club who are understood to have turned down the chance to sign the Portugal captain after Bayern Munich and Chelsea distanced themselves from a transfer.

Man United’s move for Frenkie de Jong is also proving complicated, with the player owned millions by Barcelona in deferred salary payments. Yet, if the Old Trafford club can get De Jong over the line, there would arguably only be one glaring issue to address in the squad – right-back.

Diogo Dalot appears to be the team’s first-choice right-back but has still yet to fully convince. Ten Hag is one injury away from having to call upon Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who lost his place under Ralf Rangnick and doesn’t look to be a natural fit for the new manager’s style of play.

Related links.

Should Man United let Cristiano Ronaldo leave? How Neymar’s transfer to PSG destroyed the transfer market. And Away Days Episode 1 with Shamrock Rovers.

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