Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez has emerged as a target for Barcelona in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes.
The Argentina international has emerged as a key member of the defence at Old Trafford this season, having recovered from a serious knee injury, and is an incredibly popular figure amongst the fan base at the club.
But United may face a tough task to hold on to him after it emerged that Hansi Flick is a big fan, and the Catalan giants are keen to take him to La Liga later this year to strengthen their own defence ahead of next season.
Barcelona Want to Sign Man Utd Star Martinez
lisandro martinez
Martinez, who has been described as 'world-class', joined the club under Erik Ten Hag's tenure in 2022 and has gone on to make 103 appearances for the club, having battled with two long-term injuries.
His current contract at Old Trafford is due to expire in the summer of 2027, and Barcelona are now keen to make a move to bring him to the Camp Nou as they look for a left-sided centre-back to go alongside Pau Cubarsi.
United don't want to lose him, but his current contract status means they will have to listen to any serious offers, and it's reported that Barcelona are willing to pay up to €30m (£25.8m) to bring the World Cup-winning defender in. It's understood that Martinez would be open to playing for Barcelona and would welcome the change of scenery, although he is not actively pushing for a move away.
Barcelona are expected to open negotiations for a transfer after the World Cup, and hope that they will be able to seal a deal relatively quickly as a result.
Man Utd Must Offer Martinez a New Deal
Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez staring
Martinez's contract is due to expire in 2027, and while the club retain an option to extend it by a further 12 months, they should consider making him an offer to prolong his stay beyond that.
Casemiro is set to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires, while there is also an expectation that Harry Maguire may also move on when his deal expires this summer. That's a lot of leadership leaving the changing room in one summer, and that means that they can't afford to let the Argentine leave.
His playing style means that age shouldn't be a huge factor in his ability too, and a new deal would be reward for the high level of performances he's turned in since joining, while cementing his place as a key member of the squad behind the scenes and also fending off interest from clubs like Barcelona.
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