Fabrizio Romano has provided insights into the forthcoming significant transaction that Manchester United intends to pursue, and this move appears logical for the club despite a potential concern.
Manchester United is already exploring options for future transfers, with the midfield being the club’s primary focus as they approach 2026. Additionally, TEAMtalk has reported that acquiring a new centre-back is part of their plans, along with targeting a striker to challenge Benjamin Sesko.
The arrival of a new striker would likely result in Joshua Zirkzee being released, similar to the situation with Rasmus Hojlund when Sesko joined the team.
However, prior to making further adjustments to their roster, Fabrizio Romano has shared news regarding Manchester United’s intention to extend a contract.
In a YouTube update, the reliable journalist disclosed that Manchester United aims to establish a new agreement with Lisandro Martinez at the earliest opportunity.
“Contracts at Manchester United will now become a crucial focus following the summer transfer window,” Romano stated.
“One of the situations to monitor, according to my sources, is that of Lisandro Martinez. He is currently sidelined due to injury and is not available at this moment, but he is expected to return as soon as possible.
“My understanding is that Manchester United wishes to engage in discussions regarding a new contract with Lisandro Martinez.
“His current contract expires in 2027. Manchester United aims to avoid entering late-2026 without having secured an extension for the player, to prevent any complications.
“Thus, Manchester United will seek to negotiate with Martinez before he enters the final year of his contract.
“They’re waiting for the player to return [from injury], no pressure, no rush, but for sure Man Utd want to try as soon as possible.
“So my feeling is as soon as Licha is close to returning they will try to accelerate.”
Man Utd right to ignore Lisandro Martinez red flag
As mentioned, Martinez is currently sidelined as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury suffered in February.
All being well, the Argentine will return to the field in the coming months and it’s then that United will accelerate talks with the defender and his camp.
The fact Martinez has suffered such a serious injury and United want to extend his deal without seeing if he’s the same calibre of player first is a red flag.
However, ACL injuries are not the career-killers they once were and you only have to look at Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk to see how stars can rediscover their top form despite suffering one of football’s worst injuries.
Another recent example of a superstar who returned to their peak following an ACL injury was Florian Wirtz. The German suffered his injury in early-2022, yet went on to help Bayer Leverkusen win their first ever Bundesliga title and ultimately earned a £116m move to Liverpool.
Furthermore, as a left-footer, Martinez is arguably more valuable to Man Utd than most in his position.
Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation requires a left-footer to play on the left side of the back three. Luke Shaw is doing a fine job in the position right now but is not a centre-back by trade.
Aside from 18-year-old Ayden Heaven who is in the infancy of his professional career, Martinez is the only specialist left-footed centre-back on the club’s books.
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