Three defenders Man United should sign in January as Barcelona make Lisandro Martinez enquiry

Barcelona have reportedly enquired about signing Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez during the winter transfer window – but who could replace the Argentine at Old Trafford?

Martinez’s days appear to be numbered at United after he publicly called out director of football Jason Wilcox following the side’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid on October 13.

The Argentinian did not hold back in a post-match interview at the Metropolitano, saying he expected more from “upstairs” despite United spending £155million on four summer signings – Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, Carlos Baleba and Karl Darlow.

He added: “I expect more from our technical director. I have to be honest. And also, as a player, we have to do more.”

The club formally fined the Argentinian for his comment, although he went on to start the following match against Leeds United.

Martinez is out of contract in 2027; however, United hold an option to extend his deal for a further year. He has since been linked with a move to La Liga giants Barcelona, with TEAMtalk reporting that the Catalans have made enquiries about bringing the South American to the Camp Nou as early as January.

Conversations have reportedly already taken place between the clubs, with the player’s experience valued by Barca boss Hansi Flick.

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Who could replace Lisandro Martinez at Man United?

Given that Martinez is almost a guaranteed starter when fit, United would likely have to pay a significant transfer fee to replace him in January.

A dream option would be Everton and England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. As reported by Football Insider, United are keen on the defender and remain frontrunners to sign him, having previously had two bids worth £35million and £50million rejected by the Toffees in 2024.

The Cumbrian, who has three England caps, is under contract with Everton until 2030 and would likely command a fee in excess of £80million. Despite Branthwaite likely being a costly addition, his experience in the Premier League and comfortability in playing on the left side of defence, both as a centre-back and left-back, could prove priceless if United were to get the deal over the line.

Another wise move would be to sign Nottingham Forest’s Brazilian centre-back Murillo. Earlier this month, it was reported that United are willing to sign the South American in 2027. Like Branthwaite, the Forest defender’s experience in the Premier League sets him apart from other centre-backs in Europe, with reports claiming Forest are seeking a fee of £70million for the 24-year-old from Sao Paulo.

Murillo, who has one Brazil cap, has made 123 appearances for the East Midlands club since 2023 and helped them to reach the Europa League semi-finals last term. He is under contract at the City Ground until 2030.

Another option United could pursue in January is RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba, with reports suggesting the Old Trafford club are among a number of Premier League sides to have made contact over a potential move for the Frenchman.

The left-footed 23-year-old joined Leipzig from Lyon in 2023 and has since cemented a place in the Bundesliga side’s starting XI, making 110 appearances. The France international remains under contract until 2029 and would likely be valued at more than £50million by the German club.

The winter transfer window opens on January 1, 2027, and closes on February 1.

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