Manchester United have completed the £55million move of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax to continue their summer rebuild under Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag had targeted a new centre-back in this transfer window and worked with the Argentina international in his previous three seasons at Ajax.
United and Ajax quickly came to an agreement over the £55m fee earlier in July and Martinez has signed a five-year deal worth £120,000 a week with an option for an extra year.
Lisandro Martinez has completed his £55million move from Ajax to Manchester United
Martinez shows his delight as he signs his Manchester United contract ahead of a new season
United will pay an initial £46.8m plus £8.5m in add-ons, making Martinez the second most expensive defender in the club’s history after Harry Maguire.
Martinez described joining the Red Devils as an honour and that he believes United can become a major force under Ten Hag.
‘It’s an honour to join this great football club,’ he said. ‘I’ve worked so hard to get to this moment and now that I’m here I’m going to push myself even further.
‘I’ve been lucky enough to be part of successful teams in my career and that’s what I want to continue at Manchester United. There will be a lot of work to get to that moment, but I firmly believe that under this manager and coaches, and together with my new teammates, we can do it.
Martinez arrives from Ajax where he spent three years playing under Erik ten Hag
Martinez arrives at United’s Carrington training ground with Christian Eriksen on Tuesday
‘I want to thank Ajax and their fans for all the support they gave me. I had an unbelievable time there but feel the moment is right to test myself in another environment. Now I am at the perfect club to do that.’
A club statement from United read: ‘Manchester United is delighted to announce the club has reached agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Argentine international defender Lisandro Martinez, subject to medical, to player terms being finalised, and to UK visa requirements.’
Martinez’s announcement comes after the defender was spotted arriving at the club’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday, having been driven in by fellow summer signing Christian Eriksen in a 4×4 Audi.
The previous evening, Martinez had also been spotted in Manchester City centre at the Italian restaurant Don Giovanni along with his girlfriend Muri Lopez and has been staying at the nearby five-star Lowry Hotel.
Martinez has previously…