(Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Lisandro Martinez has reportedly agreed personal terms with Atletico Madrid ahead of a 2027 move.
According to one club insider speaking via Roundtable, several meetings were held in the Spanish capital when Manchester United faced Atleti in the Champions League a fortnight ago to discuss the centre-back’s situation.
Lisandro Martinez closing in on Atletico move
LEEDS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United during the players warm up ahead of the Premier League 2026/27 match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on October 18, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
As a result, Martinez, 28, has green-lit a switch to the Metropolitano, though it remains to be seen when the transfer is most likely to materialise.
United would be reluctant sanction a mid-season sale, as he would undoubtedly need replacing in the midst of such a hectic and jam-packed campaign. However, if they wait until the summer, they risk losing him for nothing, as his contract is due to expire next June.
The club do have the option of extending his terms by an additional 12 months, which they may opt to do in order to protect his resale value, having shelled out £48.3 million for the Argentine back in 2022.
Cristian Romero recently singled out Martinez as the one player he’d like to see Atletico sign, so his wishes could well come to fruition.
🚨🗣️ – “Best player you've played alongside, aside from Lionel Messi?” Christian Romero: "Lisandro Martínez." “Which Argentine player do you wish Atlético Madrid would sign?” Christian Romero: "Lisandro Martínez.” [@losedul] pic.twitter.com/J5p1TttxQX — (fan) Frank 🧠🇾🇪 (@FrankEra_) October 27, 2026
Martinez sees red in matchweek nine
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United reacts as he receives a red card from Referee Peter Bankes during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 31, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
In the meantime, United’s No.6 has come under fire following his calamitous display at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
He was shown a yellow card for tugging on Morgan Rogers’ shirt before receiving a second yellow just moments later for a reckless challenge on Wesley Fofana in the area, resulting in a Chelsea penalty.
Lisandro Martinez is shown a second yellow card following a VAR review 🟥 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max ➡️https://t.co/WPrcA5ZrQ1 pic.twitter.com/VLcAMNdqgZ — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 31, 2026
Cole Palmer converted the hosts’ spot-kick to make it 2-0, eventually handing United their third successive defeat across all competitions.
Post-match, Peter Schmeichel didn’t mince his words when weighing in on Martinez.
“I put this [defeat] solely on Lisandro Martinez’s shoulders. It’s an absolute disgrace how he played this game,” said the former Red, as cited by ESPN.
“Two weeks ago, he came out and he made some very, very strong statements against his teammates, against the football club, and it felt like he was trying to orchestrate a move.
“He is in the last year of his contract. What he did today, honestly, I have no words.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe with Man Utd officials Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox
Michael Carrick looking on
LEEDS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, reacts from the touchline during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on October 18, 2026 in Leeds, England.
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