Manchester United have completed the signing of Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez from Ajax on a contract until June 2027. Ajax said the guaranteed fee was €57.37m (€48.3m pounds sterling), rising to a possible €67.37 million with add-ons.
Martinez played at Ajax under Erik ten Hag and becomes the United manager’s third signing after Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen. United remain interested in Ajax striker Anthony and continue to pursue Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Martínez, a left centre-back who can also play as a defensive midfielder or left-back, has won the Dutch league the last two seasons. The 24-year-old has seven caps.
He told United’s website: “It’s an honor to join this great football club. I’ve worked hard to get to this point and now I’m here I’m going to go even harder.
“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. It will be a lot of work to get to this point, 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 amazing time there, but I feel the time is right to test myself in another environment. Now I’m at perfect club to do that.”