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 €57.37m (£48.3m), rising to a possible €67.37m 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.
Lisandro Martinez, 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.
“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 teammates, 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.”
He made 118 appearances for the Dutch champions after joining the club in 2019 and becomes Ten Hag’s third signing of the summer after Tyrell Malacia joined from Feyenoord and Christian Eriksen moved to Old Trafford after spending the second half of last season at Brentford.
John Murtough, Manchester United football director, said: “Lisandro is an outstanding player who will bring further quality and experience to Erik [Ten Hag]’s squad.
“We are delighted that he has chosen to join Manchester United and we are looking forward to seeing him develop further and help the team achieve the success we are aiming for.”
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at United’s training ground on Tuesday to hold talks over his future at the club. The Portugal international made an official request to leave United this summer so he can continue to play Champions League football next season.