Manchester United To Meet Ajax On Wednesday To Discuss Third Martinez Bid

Manchester United executives are set to meet Ajax on Wednesday to discuss Lisandro Martinez’s potential move to Old Trafford.

Martinez has proven to be a long term target of new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman keen to take players he is familiar with to his new side.

It had been reported earlier this window that Ajax were willing to part with the Argentine defender, but only if a fee of €50 million was met. 

However, after reports last week stated that United’s €50 million offer of €45 million + €5 million in add ons was rejected, this appears to no longer be the case. 

Instead, the Amsterdam based club reportedly are now looking for a fee between €55 - €60 million. However, with a meeting between United and Ajax set for Wednesday, a compromise may well be met.

According to a new report from Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between the two clubs are now entering their “key stages.”

So far this window Ajax have stood firm that they intend to keep Martinez at the club, with the Argentina international seen to be a key part of new boss Alfred Schreuder’s plans. 

Additionally, Ajax have already seen several key players depart the club so far this summer, following the departures of Andre Onana, Sebastian Haller, Ryan Gravenberch, and Noussair Mazraoui.

However, as noted in prior reports, Martinez is keen for a move to Manchester United, with a reunion with Ten Hag at the Premier League club massively appealing to the defender. 

It has even been claimed that the player is willing to refuse to train in order to force a move through.

Martinez also had strong interest from United’s Premier League rivals Arsenal but the defender chose United due to the appeal of working alongside Ten Hag again. 

As first reported by Argentine reporter Gastón Edul, with Edul noting that:

“Lisandro Martinez chose to continue his career at Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United,” said Edul. “He [Ten Hag] was the coach who made him stronger as a player, and Lisandro took that into account [when making] his decision.”

If Martinez is to join United, he would be the second defensive arrival to the Red Devils this window, following the signing of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. 

Malacia made his debut for the club against Liverpool on Tuesday as United kicked off their pre-season tour.

Playing the entirety of the second-half, the Dutch full-back looked comfortable, keeping a clean sheet as United beat their rivals four goals to nil.

Also reportedly set to join Malacia, and possibly Martinez at United, is Christian Eriksen. 

A deal was struck that would see the 30-year-old Danish midfielder join the Manchester side subject to him passing his medicals, with the announcement set to be completed this week.

Reports from last week indicated that Eriksen would take his medicals, ahead of signing his contract, and joining the rest of the United squad on their pre-season tour.