Atletico Madrid are preparing to challenge Barcelona for the signing of Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, whose future at the Premier League club has become increasingly uncertain.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, the relationship between Martinez and Manchester United has deteriorated significantly and is now at its most difficult point following comments made by the Argentina international after the match against Atletico Madrid.
Both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are monitoring the defender as part of their future plans. Martinez’s contract is due to expire in the summer of 2027, meaning he could become available as a free agent in the following summer transfer window.
Manchester United are expected to see a significant number of players leave from next summer, with Martinez among those whose names have been included on the list of potential departures.
Neither the club nor the Argentine appears ready to activate an option that would extend his contract for an additional season. There is also a possibility that Manchester United could look for a solution as early as next January, although that would depend on the offers received by the English club.
Despite Manchester United’s difficult period, Martinez is one of the few players whose market value has not fallen. Transfermarkt values the defender at 45 million euros.
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are both prepared to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Manchester United as they consider a move for the 45 million euro-rated defender.
Atletico player Cristian Romero has gone beyond simply expressing his admiration for his fellow Argentine and has openly backed a move to the Madrid club. Speaking on the Eidol brothers’ YouTube channel, he gave a direct answer when asked which player he would like to bring to his team.
“Lisandro Martinez. Is there a player I would like to sign for my team? Lisandro Martinez,” Romero said.
Martinez is also understood to have been a long-standing target for Atletico Madrid, with the defender featuring on the club’s list of interests for several seasons. His profile is considered suitable for the club’s developing project, both in footballing terms and from a financial perspective.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are assessing the situation cautiously. The Catalan club regard Martinez as an established defender at the highest level of the game and a player who has won every major honour with Argentina. His potential availability without a substantial transfer fee is another factor in their interest.
In Italy, Martinez’s name is also being discussed by Inter, Roma and Como as a possible defensive reinforcement. That option is particularly relevant to Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, who are set to lose the services of Jacopo Ramon next summer.
