(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Lisandro Martinez could well have his pick of the bunch if he departs Manchester United next year.
As things stand, it looks nailed-on that he’ll be on his way out in 2027, though it remains to be seen whether it will be in the winter or the summer.
Lisandro Martinez: The state of play
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)
The Argentine international, who won the World Cup in 2022, is out of contract at Old Trafford next June. However, the club do have the option of activating a one-year extension, which they may opt to do in order to secure a fee from his departure.
Alternatively, United could pursue a January sale.
Ashley Young on Lisandro Martinez: "If I was the manager at the club or if I was one of the owners, I'd be looking at January and saying, ‘get him out now’. Just get rid of him. Because he's not bringing anything to the football club." [@primevideosport] pic.twitter.com/a1RVTckysb — utdreport (@utdreport) November 3, 2026
CalcioMercato has revealed that Martinez is attracting interest from as many as five Champions League sides, those being Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, AS Roma, Como and Inter Milan, so there are opportunities for United to explore to see if any suitor wants to pay up mid-season.
How Martinez is faring
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Martinez would be free to open talks with foreign clubs in the New Year if his contract enters its final six months.
In the meantime, he will be absent for Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa due to his sending-off last time out against Chelsea.
The 28-year-old was also dropped for Tuesday’s UCL tie at home to Roma, but came off the bench in the 75th minute to replace Ayden Heaven.
Although he was as passionate as the rest of the squad when United completed their emphatic turnaround, Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall said this week that the centre-back ‘wants out’.
😡 Lisandro Martinez has become a sulking liability having been Man United's most important player | #MUFC 🗣️ @TyMarshall_MEN "Martinez wants out and United should facilitate that in January. It only takes one player to bring a negative mood into the dressing room for that to… — Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) November 2, 2026
United agreed a £56.7 million package for Martinez when signing him from Ajax back in 2022, and he has yet to oversee an injury-free season in red.
LEEDS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Jason Wilcox, Director of Football at Manchester United, is seen in attendance before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on October 18, 2026 in Leeds, England.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Harry Maguire of Manchester United pats Marcus Tavernier of Bournemouth before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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