Lisandro Martinez has boarded a private jet to the United Kingdom as he prepares to complete his marquee transfer from Ajax to Manchester United.
The Argentina defender, 24, is set to become the third signing of the Erik ten Hag era, following Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen to Old Trafford. Martinez shone under Ten Hag for three seasons at Ajax, winning the club's Player of the Season award for the campaign just gone.
He will provide United with a classy, versatile option in defence, competing for minutes with the likes of Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof at centre-back. Martinez held a "farewell dinner" with his personal chef earlier this week and he is now preparing to conclude the final details before he can be officially unveiled as a United player on a contract until 2027.
He took to Instagram on Friday to post a story picture of him and his agent on a plush private jet with the caption: "Heading to Manchester." This fresh development is the latest on an exciting day for Red Devils fans, which also included a 4-1 pre-season win over Melbourne Victory and the signing of Eriksen on a free transfer.
Like Martinez, Eriksen knows Ten Hag well as he trained with Ajax on his road to recovery from the cardiac arrest he suffered at Euro 2020 last summer. Upon being announced as a United player, the Danish playmaker said: " Manchester United is a special club and I cannot wait to get started.
"I have had the privilege of playing at Old Trafford many times but to do it in the red shirt of United will be an amazing feeling. I have seen Erik’s work at Ajax and know the level of detail and preparation that he and his staff put into every day.
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"It is clear that he is a fantastic coach. Having spoken with him and learned more about his vision and the way he wants the team to play, I am even more excited for the future. I still have major ambitions in the game, there is a huge amount that I know I can achieve, and this is the perfect place to continue my journey."
While Martinez is set to complete a hat-trick of signings for Ten Hag, the manager is still working on a deal to sign priority midfield target Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona. A fee has been agreed for the Dutchman but personal terms are still proving troublesome, as the player would prefer to stay at Camp Nou.
