Former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who is now Ajax’s CEO, was instrumental in getting the deal done. The journalist tweeted “#Ajax and #MUFC are closing in on a deal for #Martinez after hours of meeting in Amsterdam. “Main role @vdsar1970. “Transfer fee with bonus max close to 55 million. “Clubs with homework on payment terms to board (Ajax) and owners (ManU).” NEWS: #Ajax and #MUFC close to deal for #Martinez after hours of meeting in Amsterdam. Main role @vdsar1970. Transport cost with bonus max close to 55 million. Clubs with homework in terms of payment to the supervisory board (Ajax) and the owners (ManU). — Mike Verweij (@MikeVerweij) July 13, 2022 Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news, saying: “Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United, imminent! Board mission to Amsterdam yesterday described as ‘positive, successful’ “Big meeting with Ajax, the deal is closed for more than 50 million euros. “Final talks tomorrow: Man Utd hope to seal deal in 24/48 hours.” Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United, imminent! The board’s mission to Amsterdam revealed yesterday was described as “positive, successful”. 🚨🇦🇷 #MUFC A long meeting with Ajax, the agreement is closed for more than 50 million euros. Final talks tomorrow: Man Utd hope to seal deal in 24/48 hours. pic.twitter.com/NmSs2VWh1S — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2022 The deal comes after United’s negotiators flew to Amsterdam today for face-to-face talks. Having initially set an asking price of €50m, the Dutch club appeared to be moving the goalposts this week and upping their demand to €60m. In the end, after pleas from the player to be allowed to move, a compromise appears to have been reached. Martinez is primarily a left centre-back, raising questions over Harry Maguire’s future at United. However, he can also play as a central defensive midfielder, a position in which United lack numbers.
