Manchester United look set to cash in on a few of their stars this summer to generate funds and one of Erik ten Hag’s more successful signings could even be shown the exit door over the coming months
Napoli have identified Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez as a potential signing despite his recent injury woes. The Argentina international missed large swathes of last season due to a serious knee injury.
The 27-year-old made 32 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, with Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt having been signed last summer to provide him with added competition. And it now appears that United have some thinking to do when it comes to Martinez’s future.
According to a number of reports in Italy, recently-crowned Serie A champions Napoli have added Martinez to their shortlist of potential summer signings. The Italian side’s sporting director Giovanni Manna is reportedly a big fan and does not have much concern for Martinez’s fitness issues.
The former Ajax man is one of a number of options being monitored by Napoli as they aim to defend their title next term. It comes after their major success in signing Scott McTominay last summer - with the United academy graduate proving key to their successful Scudetto push.
United boss Ruben Amorim has already shared his stance on Martinez, praising his dedication to the Red Devils. He said: "If you let him, he can go play today without problem.
"Because he loves the club, he wants to help the team, he understands the context. Like I said, he's a great character, he's really important in the dressing room."
Meanwhile, Martinez has also given his verdict on life under Amorim and appears to be a big fan. Speaking in United’s matchday programme, he said: "It's the way I like to play, the way of playing football; the passion, the energy. You know, if you have that with me, it's like you connect quickly.
“He [Amorim] has many, many good things. I think he demands what the club demands, which is good. I like his passion, his energy, the way he wants to play - good in possession, in defending. I think he's good - also the staff, the energy around [the place], it [has been] so good, yeah."
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Martinez joined the club from Dutch side Ajax in the summer of 2022 for a fee of £56.7m. He was reunited with former boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford and was a key player across his debut campaign.
Injuries have however curtailed his contributions over recent seasons, with Martinez now having just two years left on his deal. Should he leave, he would be the third centre-back to depart after Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof.
Their current options include De Ligt, Yoro, Harry Maguire and youngster Ayden Heaven, meaning there is potentially space for another centre-back even if Martinez decides to stay at the club.