Atlético Madrid and Barcelona ready to pounce and sign Manchester United player

Atlético Madrid and Barcelona are monitoring Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez, who can negotiate with new clubs from January when his contract option expires.

Lisandro Martínez's future at Manchester United appears uncertain after a difficult period at the club. The Argentina international, who joined from Ajax in 2022, has made 119 appearances but has been hampered by repeated injuries. His situation deteriorated after he publicly criticized the club's board for insufficient summer reinforcements following Manchester United's Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid in October, though he later apologized.

Martínez's contract runs until 2027 with an optional extension to 2028, but neither Manchester United nor the player intends to exercise that option. This means he will be free to negotiate with other clubs from January onwards. Atlético Madrid and Barcelona have both positioned themselves to pursue him, with Atlético particularly well-placed after signing his Argentina teammate Cristian Romero in the summer. Romero has publicly endorsed Martínez's potential arrival at the Madrid club.

Beyond Spain, Italian clubs including Inter Milan, Como and AS Roma are also monitoring the 28-year-old centre-back. While multiple suitors are circling, it appears certain that Martínez will leave Old Trafford when his contract situation allows.