Lionel Messi pushing Barcelona to go after Lisandro Martinez | OneFootball

Manchester United have missed Lisandro Martinez in that left centre-back position since his ACL injury last season.

Leny Yoro did admirably in that position at times last term, but he is not left-footed. Which is why Ruben Amorim has played Luke Shaw there this campaign.

The head coach would love for the Argentine to return soon, with the World Cup winner already training on grass, which indicates a return is not too far away.

But there have been murmurs that the ex-Ajax ace could be played as a defensive midfielder once he does make a comeback, due to the dearth of options in that position.

Lisandro’s return from injury

Casemiro is no longer the force he once was, while Manuel Ugarte has struggled big time since his much-hyped move to Old Trafford last year.

The Argentina international is no stranger to playing at the base of the midfielder, but he might not enjoy this positional change.

And as a result, rumours of an exit have gathered pace with Barcelona among the interested suitors.

Reports in Spain have suggested that it is Martinez’ national teammate and Barca legend Lionel Messi, who is pushing for the left-footed centre-half to move to the Camp Nou.

Messi is aware of the Catalans’ need for a left-footed defender, and he is pushing his compatriot’s case to Deco and Hansi Flick. He will be a far more cost-effective signing as compared to Alessandro Bastoni.

“Julian Alvarez is not the only player from the ‘Albiceleste’ team who has been recommended by the former Paris Saint-Germain player, who is also convinced that Lisandro Martínez could be an exceptional reinforcement in every sense.

“Messi knows Barça is looking for a left-footed center back, after having to let Íñigo Martínez leave a few weeks ago, after he signed for Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia, in order to reduce their wage bill.

Messi pushing for Barca move

“This caused a significant headache for Hans-Dieter Flick, who doesn’t fully trust either Andreas Christensen or Ronald Araújo to be Pau Cubarsí’s new partner. And Gerard Martín has been re-signed, but he also raises many questions.

“Laporta and Deco intend to sign a top-level defender in the summer of 2026, and Leo has suggested they opt for the Manchester United player, who is unhappy with Rubén Amorim’s project due to the poor results obtained.

“However, despite Messi’s recommendations, Barça remains very clear that the ideal candidate to complete the defensive lineup is Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni. But if his price doesn’t fit their budget, Laporta and Deco could opt for Lisandro, who would be more affordable.”

While the 27-year-old’s recent injury record is not the best, when fit, Lisandro Martinez is easily the best defender available to the head coach, especially with his ability on the ball.

None of the back three possess the line-breaking passing ability, while his tenaciousness and fighting spirit is something the team could do with when under pressure. INEOS better be careful to avoid such a scenario from playing out in the future.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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