Man United reaches agreement with Ajax for Martinez signing

Martinez is Erik Ten Hag’s third summer signing after Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen.

Published : Jul 17, 2022 19:42 IST

FILE PHOTO: Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez controls the ball during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Mario Kempes Stadium in Cordoba, Argentina on February 1, 2022.
FILE PHOTO: Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez controls the ball during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Mario Kempes Stadium in Cordoba, Argentina on February 1, 2022. | Photo Credit: AFP
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FILE PHOTO: Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez controls the ball during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Mario Kempes Stadium in Cordoba, Argentina on February 1, 2022. | Photo Credit: AFP

 Manchester United has agreed a deal with Ajax Amsterdam to sign defender Lisandro Martinez for an initial fee of 57.37 million euros ($57.87 million), with 10 million euros of potential add-ons included, both clubs confirmed on Sunday.

The deal is subject to a medical examination and a visa being granted, with completion expected in the coming days.

The length of the contract was not announced, but a source with knowledge of the agreement told  Reuters that Martinez would sign a five-year deal with the Premier League club, with an option for a further 12 months included.

The 24-year-old, who can also play in midfield, will be manager Erik ten Hag’s third signing following the arrivals of Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia and Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen.

Ten Hag coached Martinez for three seasons at Ajax after the player moved to the Netherlands from the Argentine side Defensa y Justicia in May 2019. Martinez made 118 appearances for the Dutch club.

A new defender was seen as a priority for United after its struggles at the back last season. It conceded 57 goals last term, the most among the Premier League’s top six and 31 more than champion Manchester City.

The deal comes too late for Martinez to join up with his United teammates on their pre-season tour in Australia. United opens the new league campaign at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on August 7. 

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