Martinez agrees preliminary terms with Atletico Madrid as Manchester United exit looms

Lisandro Martinez has agreed preliminary personal terms with Atletico Madrid as his Manchester United career edges toward an end, Spanish outlet Fichajes reported, citing insiders close to the deal.

The Argentine centre-back, who joined United from Ajax in 2022 for £57 million, has endured a turbulent spell under manager Michael Carrick. He was sent off in Carrick’s third successive defeat — a loss to Chelsea at the weekend — and had previously been hauled off at half-time against Leeds United, left out of the squad entirely against Como, and used only as a substitute in a defeat to Bournemouth. Martinez also drew attention after making public comments critical of the club’s hierarchy.

FourFourTwo, the source of this report, notes that while a preliminary agreement on personal terms is in place, Martinez is still some way from a full exit agreement. Nevertheless, both player and club appear content to part ways as soon as circumstances allow.

Atletico Madrid must still decide whether to pursue a deal in the January transfer window or wait until the summer, with financial considerations a factor in that timing, according to the report. Martinez’s contract at Old Trafford runs until 2027, with United holding an option for a further year — giving the club reasonable leverage to demand a significant fee rather than allow him to run down his deal.

Transfermarkt values the World Cup winner at €45 million. Martinez stands at 5ft 9in, and questions about his height have followed him throughout his time in English football, though he showed strong form in his earlier seasons at the club.

Barcelona have also been linked with an interest in the defender, with Frenkie de Jong recently deputising at centre-back for manager Hansi Flick — a situation that underlines the Catalan club’s need for reinforcement in that position.

Martinez arrived at United as one of Erik ten Hag’s key signings, with the club fending off interest from Arsenal to secure his services from Ajax’s Johan Cruyff Arena. His departure, if confirmed, would mark the end of a chapter that promised considerably more than it ultimately delivered.