Lisandro Martínez joins Man United from Ajax - Only Maguire was more expensive
This article first appeared on July 13 and has been updated with new information.
Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign Lisandro Martínez from Ajax. Both clubs confirmed the deal on Sunday. Ajax also published the exact transfer fee. The Dutch club is set to receive €57.37 million and an additional €10 million in performance-based bonuses. The transfer is subject to Martínez receiving a visa to play in the United Kingdom.
Signing the 24-year-old center-back has been a priority for new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. Signed for just €7 million from Defensa in 2019, Martínez has been an important part of Ajax's defense over the last four years and has scored six goals and six assists in 118 games across all competitions. Playing under Ten Hag, Martínez managed to increase his market value from €6 million to now €32 million. By selling the defender, Ajax are set to increase their transfer earnings to over €100 million this summer.
Man United, in the meantime, have found their much-needed addition in defense. Martínez is the second most expensive center-back in history—only Harry Maguire was more expensive (overview). Lisandro Martínez is set to become the most expensive defender signed by a Premier League club this summer.
- Date of birth/Age:
- Jan 18, 1998 (26)
- Nat.:
- Current club:
- Manchester United
- Contract until:
- Jun 30, 2027
- Position:
- Centre-Back
- Market Value:
- €45.00m
- Total Market Value:
- €242.55m
- Competition:
- Eredivisie
- Position:
- 5.
- Manager:
- John van 't Schip
- Squad size:
- 31
- Latest Transfer:
- Julian Rijkhoff
- Total Market Value:
- €718.65m
- Competition:
- Premier League
- Position:
- 8.
- Manager:
- Erik ten Hag
- Squad size:
- 28
- Latest Transfer:
- Daniel Gore