Manchester United have signed defender Lisandro Martinez on a five-year contract from Ajax in a £56.5m transfer deal.
Martinez has signed a five-year contract until June 2027 with option for a further season in a move which reunites him with his former manager, Erik ten Hag who was in charge of Ajax until May and is now preparing for his first season at United.
Utd will pay an initial £48.5m but there will be £8.5m in add-ons, whilst the Red Devils will also make £2.2m solidarity payments to Martinez’s former clubs.
Martinez primarily plays as a centre-back but is a versatile player who can be deployed at left-back or central midfielder if required.
Speaking about his move, Martinez said: “It’s an honour to join this great football club. I’ve worked so hard to get to this moment and, now that I’m here, I’m going to push myself even further.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be part of successful teams in my career and that’s what I want to continue at Manchester United. There will be a lot of work to get to that moment, but I firmly believe that, under this manager and coaches, and together with my new team-mates, we can do it.”
The Argentinean also paid tribute to Ajax for their support throughout his time at the club as he added: “I want to thank Ajax and their fans for all the support they gave me. I had an unbelievable time there but feel the moment is right to test myself in another environment.”
“He’s a warrior and I think the fans will admire him. He has an attitude, fighting spirit,” added Ten Hag as he insists that Martinez will add extra intensity to Utd’s defence.
Ten Hag also spoke of what other qualities Martinez will bring to Utd as he commented: “He brings aggressiveness in the game, in a good way. I think we need that.
“But also, he’s also skilful and he can deal with the ball and he’s left-footed.”
Martinez began his career in his native country, Argentina, with Club Urquiza then Club Libertad before joining Newell’s Old Boys, where he graduated into their first-team in their final match of 2016-17 season.
The now 24 year-old however was sent initially on loan to Defensa y Justicia in 2017-18 season which became a permanent deal a year later, as the Argentinean went on to score three goals in 58 appearances across both seasons.
Ajax consequently swooped for the defender in May 2019 despite the deal not being officially finalised for a further two months, with Martinez eventually netting six goals in 120 appearances for the Eredivisie club.
Across his three seasons at Ajax, Martinez helped the club clinch the last two Eredivisie titles as well as 2020-21 KNVB Cup and 2019 Johan Cruyff Shield.
Martinez could make his competitive Utd debut at Old Trafford in their Premier League opener on Sunday 7 August against Brighton & Hove Albion, with kick-off set for 2pm BST live on Sky Sports.
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