Barcelona Push to Sign Lisandro Martinez From Manchester United

Barcelona have made contact over a possible move for Lisandro Martinez, with the 28-year-old Argentine defender emerging as a target for the Catalan side ahead of next year. The Barcelona hierarchy wants to add a left-footed centre-back to the squad, and Manchester United‘s defender has entered their thinking as a realistic alternative.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Barcelona submitted an enquiry regarding a potential deal for Martinez. The club would rather complete a centre-back signing in January, with Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan sitting at the top of their list. Prising Bastoni away from Inter midway through the 2026/27 season looks difficult, and that difficulty has pushed Barcelona to monitor Martinez’s situation at Old Trafford closely.

Lisandro Martinez’s Path at Manchester United

Martinez arrived at Manchester United from Ajax in a €55 million deal in July 2022, with the club beating Arsenal to his signature after he built a strong reputation in the Eredivisie. Fitness problems have interrupted his four years in Manchester, limiting the consistency that once made him so sought after.

Martinez has still built a respectable record at the club despite the setbacks. He has made over 100 appearances for Manchester United, scoring four goals and providing three assists. This season has brought him nine outings and a goal, a sign that regular minutes remain within reach when he stays fit. His contract situation has added pressure to his future, drawing interest from several clubs across Europe.

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A La Liga Move on the Horizon

Barcelona have watched Martinez for a long stretch now. Their pursuit comes down to tactical necessity: the club wants a left-footed centre-back who combines technical quality on the ball with defensive bite. That need grew sharper after Inigo Martinez departed for Al-Nassr, leaving a gap in Barcelona’s left-sided defensive options. Martinez’s ball-playing range and physical approach to defending match what Barcelona are looking for almost perfectly.

Andreas Christensen’s fitness struggles across the last two seasons have made the situation more pressing. Martinez has become a serious candidate as a result, with reports suggesting Deco is actively working on the deal. The Manchester United defender fits the profile Barcelona need: technically capable, defensively sound, and ready to slot into their system.

A January sale represents the only route for Manchester United to recover a fee for Martinez, given the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has entered the final 12 months of his contract. Contract renewal talks have stalled, and that stalemate gives Barcelona a window to push through a mid-season move for his signature.

Keep following TipsGG for the latest on Martinez’s situation and every major transfer story shaping the January window.