Manchester United have announced the ‘butcher of Amsterdam’, Lisandro Martinez is on the verge of joining them after the club have reached an agreement with Ajax for the transfer of the Argentine international defender. Personal terms, UK visa requirements and medicals have yet to be concluded, but the Old Trafford club look set to officially announce their third summer signing shortly.
Lisandro Martinez: Manchester United Confirm Agreement Reached for Ajax Star
An agreement has been reached for the transfer of Lisandro Martinez 🔴🇦🇷#MUFC || @LisandrMartinez
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 17, 2022
‘Butcher’ of a Defender to Bolster Manchester United
After a pedestrian start to the transfer window, Manchester United have announced a fee has been agreed upon to buy Martinez from Ajax, making the Argentine defender their third summer signing under the reign of Erik ten Hag. The fee is reported to be just over £46.5 million plus add-ons, with the ‘butcher’ set to sign a five-year deal.
Arsenal made the early running for Martinez but were reluctant to pay the asking price set by Ajax when they were unable to offer him guaranteed first-team football. Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough made vital progress on the deal when they visited Amsterdam last week. The final parts of the deal are still to be completed but these parts, including obtaining a visa, are thought to be just a formality.
Read More: Manchester United Confirm Signing of Ex-Spurs Star
It is thought that once the formalities of the deal are completed, the Argentinian defender will join up with his new teammates when they return from Australia on July 24th.
After completing the signings of Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen, Manchester United look set to make Martinez their next signing with the club still hopeful of signing Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona.
Lisandro Martinez at Ajax ranked in the Top 1% of CB in Europe for (per 90):
Passes (87)
Progressive passes (7.88)
Tackles (3.13)
Shot-Creating actions (1.38)
Through balls (0.25)
Assists (0.13)One of the best Ball-Playing CBs in the Champions League. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/nmKhQHiERV
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 17, 2022
The ‘butcher’ of Amsterdam is a title he richly deserved as it represents the leadership and ferocity he tackles with week in and week out. Despite his small stature, he wins his fair share of aerial duels and relishes the physical side of the game, making him a seemingly great fit for the Premier League.
In addition to his superb tackling and leadership, he is adept with the ball at his feet and is comfortable playing out from the back, meaning ten Hag could even use the Argentinian at the base of midfield if needed.
