Manchester United have completed the signing of the Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez from Ajax on a contract to June 2027. Ajax said the guaranteed fee was €57.37 million, rising to a possible €67.37 million with add-ons.
Martínez played at Ajax under Erik ten Hag and becomes the United manager’s third signing after Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen. United retain an interest in the Ajax forward Anthony and continue to pursue the Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Martínez, a left-sided centre back who can also operate as a defensive midfielder or at left back, has won the Dutch league the past two seasons. The 24-year-old has seven caps.
He told United’s website: “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.
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“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.
“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. Now I am at the perfect club to do this.” – Guardian
