Lisandro Martinez has completed his transfer from Ajax to Manchester United.
The Argentine joins the club after signing a contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2027, including an option to extend for a further year.
He has won numerous honours at the age of 24, including the 2021 Copa America and two Eredivisie titles under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, but the question is can he add a Premier League to that CV?
Another question will be can Martinez prove doubters wrong about being a 5ft 9in tall centre-back in the Premier League? Only time will tell, and I am sure his aim is to achieve success at United. He sounds motivated by being part of Ten Hag’s new journey after previously becoming one of his most trusted players in Amsterdam.
Martinez told ManUtd.com: “It’s an honour to join this great football club. 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 that moment, but I firmly believe that, under this manager and coaches, and together with my new team-mates, we can do it.
“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 this.”
John Murtough said: “Lisandro is an outstanding player who will bring further quality and experience to Erik [ten Hag]’s squad.
“We are delighted that he has chosen to join Manchester United, and we are looking forward to seeing him develop and help the team achieve the success we are aiming for.”
We suspect that Martinez will partner Harry Maguire at centre-back this season.
Maguire should never be made to partner with him. That will be a travesty.