Lisandro Martinez future uncertain as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid monitor Manchester United defender

Atletico Madrid are preparing to challenge Barcelona for the signing of Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, with the Argentina international’s future at the Premier League club increasingly uncertain.

According to AS, Martinez’s relationship with Manchester United has deteriorated sharply and is now at its most difficult point following comments he made after the match against Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona and Atletico have both included the 27-year-old in their plans for the future. His current contract runs until the summer of 2027, meaning he could become available on a free transfer in the following summer transfer window.

Manchester United are expected to oversee a significant departure of players from next summer onwards, with Martinez understood to be among those who could leave Old Trafford.

Neither the club nor the player appear ready to activate the option that would extend his contract by a further season. There is also a possibility that Martinez could seek a move as early as January, although that would depend on the offers received by Manchester United.

Despite the difficulties surrounding the club, Martinez is one of the few players whose market value has not fallen. Transfermarkt currently estimates his value at 45m euros.

Both Atletico and Barcelona are monitoring the situation and could attempt to take advantage of the uncertainty at Manchester United to secure the defender’s signature.

Atletico interest

Cristian Romero has not only spoken positively about his fellow Argentine but has also openly backed a move to Atletico Madrid. He made the comments during an interview on the Edol brothers’ YouTube channel.

Asked which player he would like to bring to his team, Romero replied: “Lisandro Martinez. Is there a player I would like to sign for my team? Lisandro Martinez.”

Martinez is also understood to have been a long-standing target for Atletico’s leadership, with his name appearing on the club’s shortlist for several seasons. The defender is viewed as a suitable fit for the project still being developed in Madrid, both in footballing terms and financially.

Barcelona are taking a more cautious approach while assessing the player’s situation. The Catalan club regard Martinez as a defender established at the highest level of the game and a player who has won every major honour with Argentina.

His potential availability without a substantial transfer fee is another factor being considered by Barcelona.

Interest from Italy

Martinez’s name is also being discussed by Inter, Roma and Como as a possible defensive signing.

Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, could be particularly interested because the club is set to lose Jacobo Ramon next summer.