Manchester United has completed the acquisition of Ajax’s Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez.
The 20-time English champions announced on July 17 that they had reached an agreement with Ajax to sign the 24-year-old, who then flew to Manchester with his agents.
“Manchester United is delighted to announce that the club has reached agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Argentine international defender Lisandro Martinez, subject to medicals, finalisation of player terms, and UK visa requirements,” read a statement on the club’s official website earlier this month.
The Red Devils have now confirmed that the transfer has been completed, with the centre-back signing a five-year contract extension at Old Trafford.
“It’s an honor to be a part of this fantastic football club. I worked so hard to get here, and now that I’m here, I’m going to push myself even harder “Martinez revealed this to the club’s official website.
“I’ve been fortunate to be a part of successful teams throughout my career, and that’s something I hope to continue at Manchester United.” There will be a lot of work to get there, but I am confident that we can do it under this manager and coaches, as well as with my new teammates.
“I’d like to thank Ajax and their fans for their unwavering support.” I had an incredible time there, but I believe the time has come for me to put my skills to the test in a different setting. Now I’m in the ideal club to do this.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s football director John Murtough stated, “Lisandro is an outstanding player who will add quality and experience to Erik [Ten Hag’s] squad.”
“We are delighted that he has chosen to join Manchester United, and we look forward to seeing him develop further and contribute to the team’s success.”
Martinez was recently referred to as a “warrior” by the new Manchester United manager, who detailed what the South American would bring to the team during his time at the club.
“He’s a warrior and I think the fans will admire him. He has an attitude, fighting spirit. He brings aggressiveness in the game, in a good way. I think we need that. But also, he’s also skilful and he can deal with the ball and he’s left-footed,” Ten Hag told MUTV.
“I think the Premier League is high intensity, lots of challenges. We need such players. I know from South Americans… I call it grinta. Controlled, aggressive. You need that in your game and with him we have such a player.” sais Erik