At Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag’s revolution continues to take form.
Lisandro Martinez has completed his move to Manchester United, with the Argentine defender traveling to England at the end of a lengthy transfer process. After moving from the Eredivisie champions to the Premier League heavyweights this summer, Erik ten Hag identified 24-year-old Brandt as a top target immediately.
With the Red Devils amending their back line with a player that will be eager to impress in new surroundings, particularly ahead of the 2022 World Cup, he has his man.
Martinez, who has been capped three times by Argentina, made 46 appearances for Ajax across all competitions last season. In the Eredivisie he chipped in with two goals and four assists as the Dutch side claimed a historic domestic double.
The transfer fee for Martinez is undisclosed but is thought to be in the region of £46.5 million (€50m/$58m). He has signed a five-year contract with the 20-time English champions.
The center-back is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s third summer signing, following the captures of Donny van de Beek and Facundo Pellistri. United has also been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.
Speaking to United’s official website, Martinez said: “I am very proud and happy to be joining Manchester United. This is a dream come true for me.”
He added: “I have enjoyed my time at Ajax and I would like to thank Erik ten Hag, Marc Overmars, and all of my teammates for everything they have done for me over the past two years.
“I am now looking forward to working with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his talented group of players as we continue to push for success at this great club.”
Martinez will wear the No.12 shirt at Old Trafford.
What Ajax have to say
A statement on Ajax’s official website read: “Ajax has reached an agreement with Manchester United for the transfer of Lisandro Martínez. The Argentine defender will leave Amsterdam after two years.”
“We want to thank Lisandro for his contribution to Ajax,” said Marc Overmars, the Dutch club’s director of football.
“In his two years here, he has developed into a top player and has made an important contribution to our double win.”
“We wish him all the best in the next phase of his career,” he added.
Martinez’s arrival at United will likely see him partner Harry Maguire at the heart of the Red Devils’ defence. The England international has been a mainstay in Solskjaer’s side since his move from Leicester City in 2019.
What is Martinez’s record in football?
The 24-year-old Martinez started his career with Racing Club in Argentina before spells with Porto and Ajax.
He is the second Argentine to join United this summer after Facundo Pellistri, who signed from Penarol in October.
Speaking about his latest signing, Solskjaer said: “Lisandro is an excellent defender and a real leader in the dressing room. His mentality and hunger to win is exactly what we are looking for at this club.”
“He has all of the attributes that a top-class center-back needs,” he added.
“Most importantly, he knows what it takes to win trophies and we are confident that he will be a big success at Old Trafford.”
In the 2019/20 season, Martinez made a total of 33 appearances for Ajax, scoring two goals and providing one assist in all competitions.
The young defender also has experience of playing in the Champions League, having made four appearances in the competition this season.
Martinez could make his debut for United when they take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.
Who else will Man Utd sign this summer?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has wasted no time in adding to his squad this summer, with the signing of Donny van de Beek from Ajax.
And it appears that the Norwegian is not finished there, with reports claiming that a move for Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin is on the cards.
Godin is out of contract at Atletico Madrid this summer, and it is understood that he has been offered a two-year deal by Manchester United.
The 32-year-old would provide much-needed experience and quality at the back for Solskjaer, who is looking to build a title-challenging side.
And with Godin’s former Atletico Madrid teammate, Antoine Griezmann, also linked with a move to Old Trafford, it looks like being an eventful summer for Manchester United.
Meanwhile, United has also been linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera, who is out of contract this summer.
The 29-year-old is a player that Solskjaer knows well, having worked with him during his time at Manchester United.
Herrera is a combative midfielder who would add some much-needed steel to the United midfield, and he could be available on a free transfer.
With Van de Beek already in the bag, it looks like being a busy summer for Manchester United as they look to build a squad capable of challenging for the title.
Conclusion
Martinez has completed his move to Manchester United, with the Red Devils shelling out £46.5 million to secure the services of the Ajax defender. This represents a significant coup for United, who have beaten Arsenal to the signing of one of Europe’s most highly-regarded young defenders.
Martinez is a supremely talented young defender, who is comfortable playing either at centre-back or left-back. He is a strong and powerful presence in defense and is also excellent on the ball. Martinez will add much-needed quality and depth to United’s backline, and will no doubt become a key player for the club over the coming years.
This is a hugely exciting signing for Manchester United and one that is sure to excite the club’s supporters. Martinez is a player with huge potential, and he looks set to be a key part of the United team for many years to come.
