Barcelona are reportedly turning their attention to the Premier League and keeping a close eye on Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez. According to reports from CaughtOffside, the Catalan giants believe the Argentine international would be open to a move to the Camp Nou this summer, potentially setting the stage for a high-profile transfer saga.
The interest comes at a time when Martínez’s future at Old Trafford is becoming a subject of intense speculation. Despite being a fan favorite and a key component of Erik ten Hag’s (and subsequent managers’) plans, the club faces a dilemma regarding his long-term contract status.
Contract Dilemma at Old Trafford
Martínez is currently entering the final year of his contract with Manchester United. While the club does hold a 12-month extension option, there is growing uncertainty about whether they will exercise it or offer him a completely new long-term deal. The hesitation is understood to be strategic rather than purely based on ability, as the club weighs the financial implications against his recent fitness record.
This perceived reluctance to commit to a lucrative, multi-year extension immediately has reportedly alerted Barcelona. The Blaugrana are known for hunting value in the market and may sense an opportunity to pry the defender away if Manchester United decides to cash in rather than risk losing him for a reduced fee later or having an unhappy squad member.
The Injury Concerns
The primary factor complicating Martínez’s future in Manchester has been his physical availability. Since joining from Ajax, the 26-year-old has unfortunately had his time at the club blighted by a series of serious injuries. These setbacks have not only disrupted his rhythm on the pitch but have also forced the United medical and recruitment teams to think twice about handing him a massive new contract that runs into his 30s.
Barcelona, however, appear willing to take the gamble. They view Martínez as a defender who perfectly fits their technical profile—aggressive, ball-playing, and possessed of a winning mentality. If his medical checks can offer reassurance, he could be the ideal partner to bolster their backline.
A Summer of Speculation
While formal talks are yet to begin, the rumor mill is already buzzing. For Manchester United, losing a player of Martínez’s caliber and leadership would be a significant blow, but recouping a substantial fee for an injury-prone asset is a business model they have had to consider before. As the summer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Red Devils trigger that extension or open the door for a move to Spain.