FC Barcelona continues its defensive strengthening plan by targeting Argentine central defender Lisandro Martínez, currently at Manchester United. According to information collected by the Spanish media, notably *MundoDeportivo* and *AS*, the leaders of the Catalan club, HansiFlick and Deco, consider the 28-year-old player as an ideal solution to fill the weaknesses of the rearguard revealed during the last matches.
Martínez, world champion with the Albiceleste in 2022, has a very appreciated profile in Catalonia: left-handed, aggressive in duels and capable of contributing to the offensive recovery. His experience at Ajax and Manchester United gives him a maturity and versatility that Barça wants to integrate into their system. The defender is under contract with the RedDevils until June 30, 2027, but his future at OldTrafford is uncertain. Recently, he expressed criticism of the England team's recruitment policy, which created tension with management. According to *AS*, a separation at the end of the season is now being considered, with both parties seeming reluctant to continue their collaboration.
The English club have a unilateral option to extend Martínez's contract until June 2028, which could complicate a possible exit before the summer of 2027. However, if Manchester United decides not to extend it, Barça could negotiate his departure as early as January in order to recover a transfer fee rather than letting him leave for free. This prospect is particularly attractive for the Catalan club, which must manage significant financial constraints.
Interest in Martínez is not limited to Barça. AtléticoMadrid, as well as several Italian clubs, are closely monitoring the defender's situation. The Colchoneros could take advantage of the tension at Manchester United to try to convince him to join the Spanish capital. This increased competition underlines the strategic importance of Barça's decision.
At this stage, no official offer has been made by the Catalan club, and no confirmation from Manchester United has been provided. Barça, however, seems ready to accelerate the process from the winter transfer window, or even pay compensation to get ahead of its competitors. If the defender leaves the English club before the end of his contract, Barça could integrate him without a transfer fee, a considerable advantage given their urgent need for defensive solidity.
In conclusion, the LisandroMartínez case represents one of the major issues for Barça before the end of the year. The Catalan club will have to closely monitor developments at OldTrafford and decide quickly whether they want to take the opportunity of a transfer before the summer of 2027 or wait until the end of the contract for a free departure. The evolution of this matter will determine Barça's ability to strengthen its rearguard for the coming season.