Latest developments
- Man Utd are open to selling Lisandro Martinez in January.
- Real Madrid are keen on signing the centre-back.
- United spent £57 million on the Argentinian in 2022.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Little source info out of Old Trafford
Manchester United are open to the idea of selling one of their fans' favourites, Lisandro Martinez, claiming he is “not considered off limits for any potential buyer.”
This news comes from talkSPORT, who have not provided a source close to the decision makers at Old Trafford, though Real Madrid are said to have been interested in the Argentinian for a while.
Value (2.5/5): Looking for their money back
No information about United's price tag or how much Los Blancos are preparing to bid has come to light yet, but given that the Red Devils spent £57 million to bring Martinez to Old Trafford, we can guess they will want to recoup at least the majority of that fee.
Currently valued at £41.25 million and another two-and-a-half years to run on his contract, something around £57 million would be a decent price for the 26-year-old World Cup winner.
Suitability (4/5): A decent medal collection
The centre-back has played the majority of his career as part of a back four, thus operating in Carlo Ancelotti's system will be a piece of cake.
A decorated player at both club and international level, Martinez is used to the demands of the biggest clubs and teams in world football, and though he has never played in Spain, he has what it takes to succeed at the Bernabeu.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): Defence an issue for Real
Though he has had some questionable performances of late, there is no doubting Martinez's class, which has caught the eye of Real Madrid.
Real have had more than their fair share of defensive problems of late, with Eder Militao and David Alaba both on the treatment table, while the long-term future of Antonio Rudiger is up for debate. Martinez would not only provide reinforcement, but aim to take and keep a place in the heart of the Real back line for the next few years.
Logic (2/5): Why are United in a hurry?
Still young enough to want to make a step up and challenge for the UEFA Champions League, there would be few more appealing options to Martinez than Real Madrid.
As for United, unless they urgently need to comply with PSR or Ruben Amorim is not a fan of him, it makes little sense to show one of their better players the door.
Whisper+ verdict: 14/25
Real's interest seems quite logical, but United being so open to selling Martinez raises a few eyebrows. But given the goings-on behind the scenes at Old Trafford, perhaps nothing should surprise us.
