Lisandro Martinez: Why Barcelona are confident of signing United defender | OneFootball

Manchester United secured their fourth consecutive win under Michael Carrick, beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Old Trafford.

The main takeaway from the match was the ease with which Manchester United controlled the game. In this respect, Lisandro Martinez’s on-ball qualities played a significant role.

Martinez consistently pushed forward and operated between the lines, while also making several crucial defensive interventions.

Barcelona are keen on Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martinez is regarded as one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in Europe, and his technical ability has made him an attractive option for Barcelona, who are a possession-focused side.

According to CaughtOffside, United are “facing transfer interest” in Martinez from Barcelona.

The Argentina international’s contract at Old Trafford is set to expire in the summer of 2027, which has led to “growing murmurings of uncertainty” about his future.

The report states: “There’s no panic inside Old Trafford just yet, but his fine form has inevitably caught the eye of a few clubs, with Barcelona the only confirmed suitor we can mention for the moment.”

Barcelona believe Martinez could be open to the move

Barcelona, who have already convinced Marcus Rashford to take a pay cut to secure a permanent move to Camp Nou, are “privately” confident of luring Martinez.

It is added: “Of course United won’t want to sell and we can probably expect a contract offer to become a more serious conversation some time in the near future, but privately there are those close to Barcelona who suspect the truth is more along the lines that a deal could be done for the right price.”

Furthermore, it is understood United’s asking price for Martinez could be in the region of €55 million (£47.8m). 

Martinez is arguably the best centre-back at United. However, the 28-year-old’s injury record is poor, to say the least.

As such, the club’s hierarchy might be tempted to sanction a significant sale.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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