FC Barcelona are being linked with Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez, not for the first time, although the situation could be getting more serious now. According to [CaughtOffside](https://www.caughtoffside.com/2026/02/07/lisandro-martinez-barcelona-transfer/), people around the club believe the door could open this summer, even if Manchester United continue to say otherwise in public.
Martínez is contracted until next year, with United holding an option to extend for another year. As one source cited in the article put it, there is “no panic inside Old Trafford just yet,” though his form has not gone unnoticed. Barcelona are currently the only confirmed club to have shown interest, and the message from United remains consistent: he is “not for sale.”
After more than 300 days sidelined across knee and foot problems, the Argentine has worked his way back into the lineup and, quietly, into United’s spine. Since becoming a regular starter again, he has barely rotated out, and the team’s performances have steadied with him on the pitch.
It is not just about defending. Martínez has been central to how United build from the back, stepping into midfield zones, hitting early diagonals, and taking responsibility. His displays against Manchester City and Arsenal stood out. United look calmer when he plays; the team feels more in control. The numbers back that up, and the eye test does, too.
Barcelona see an opening in the timing of a potential deal. Reportedly, Martínez would at least listen if a move were proposed. One person from Barcelona’s camp was cited as saying that even though United have said he is not for sale, “privately there are those close to Barcelona who suspect the truth is more along the lines that a deal could be done for the right price.”
And that is the sticking point - price. Transfermarkt values Martínez at around €35 million, yet several reports suggest United would only engage at something closer to €55 million. Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United has sought to be more fiscally prudent, and selling a 28-year-old with a significant injury history could be framed as sensible business, especially given United’s depth at centreback with players like Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire already in place.
Barcelona could use with the combative left-footed defender. It bears reminding that every senior centre-back in the squad is right-footed. Martínez also brings a profile the club has tracked for years. According to Diario SPORT, Barça explored a move when he was at Ajax but were blocked by financial limits. A loan was discussed and immediately shut down. Xavi Hernández admired his fit, and that admiration did not disappear when Martínez left for Manchester.
There is also the broader context. Barcelona and United already expect to speak this summer about Marcus Rashford, currently on loan with Hansi Flick’s side, which could create a natural channel for wider discussions. Martínez, meanwhile, has never played in LaLiga, and at this stage of his career, a change of environment would not be a shock.
United still have time to push a renewal and close ranks, but Barcelona do like Martínez