Manchester United looking to land Lisandro Martinez in £40m transfer
Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Ajax defender and midfielder Lisandro Martinez. United’s coach Erik Ten Hag is confident of the deal being a success and Lisandro Martinez coming to Old Trafford. Martinez wants to leave Ajax this summer. The Argentine player is determined to play in the Premier League and maybe even have a reunion with his former gaffer.
Ajax have valued Martinez at £43million to price him out of a move. However, United have put forth an offer worth £39.6million to test the waters over at Amsterdam. Arsenal have also made an offer worth £34million for the defender. United’s deal will see them pay £35.3million up front and pay other add-ons in time, handing Ajax a further £4.3million.
Fabrizio Romano had this to say regarding Lisandro Martinez in his latest tweet :
“Lisandro Martínez, back in Holland today – he’s been very clear with Ajax telling the club that he only wants to leave to try his first Premier League experience…… Manchester United are pushing as ten Hag wants Lisandro as a priority – Arsenal, still there fighting.”
‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’
Lisandro Martinez is known in Holland as the ‘Butcher of Amsterdam’. He is a complete modern center-back. Martinez is comfortable in the central defender position as well as a midfielder. His superior distribution skills make him a great anchor for the midfield. He is a smart player who possesses a stunning awareness of the game.
Lisandro Martinez developed immensely under Erik Ten Haag. He added steel to Ten Hag’s silky Ajax team. He has had some impressive stats under the Dutch coach. Martinez conceded only 0.57 times for every 90 mins of the game played. He was also involved in 0.15 goal contributions per 90 minutes. Impressive stats for a defender.
Martinez was a vital player for Ajax last season. He scored once and provided four assists in 36 appearances across all competitions for Ajax. These impressive stats are an indicator of why Ten Hag is pushing for his move to Old Trafford. Ten Hag views Martinez primarily as a central defender, who would help him alleviate some of Manchester United’s defence woes. Man United will begin their pre-season tour in Thailand, with their opening match of the summer coming against Liverpool in Bangkok on July 12.
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