Man Utd’s favorite pick to replace Lisandro Martinez makes perfect sense with big news just in!
Manchester United have reportedly found their top choice to replace Lisandro Martinez, whose contract runs out next summer – and it all sounds very sensible.
Martinez’s current deal lasts until June 2027. After he openly criticized the club bosses for not spending enough during the summer transfer window, it seems likely he’ll leave Old Trafford on a free transfer.
Now, it’s said that United have put the Argentina defender up for transfer to get back some of the £57 million they paid Ajax for him in 2022. They’ve also already picked who they want to bring in as his replacement.
According to the Daily Mail, United are expected to use a one-year extension option on Martinez’s contract, keeping him at the club until summer 2028. This move won’t change his chances of staying long-term, but it will stop other clubs from negotiating with him starting January – something players can do in the last six months of their contract, which would let them leave for free.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are interested in the 29-year-old, but if United activate the extension, these clubs would need to buy him — freeing up money for United to target his replacement.
The club is said to be looking again at Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, a player they tried to sign back in 2024. United made three bids for him, the last one believed to be around £50 million. Everton, however, wanted a lot more.
Everton owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe refused to pay above United’s offer, and injury problems for Branthwaite over the last two summers made a move harder.
Looking at their defensive stats explains why United are so keen on Branthwaite and believe he could strengthen their defense quickly if he joins.
Data from the 2026/27 Premier League season shows Martinez played 495 minutes across six games while Branthwaite has been on the pitch for all 630 minutes in seven matches.
Martinez has more forward passes (140 to Branthwaite’s 129) despite fewer minutes, but Branthwaite outshines him in other areas. He’s better in aerial duels (15 to 8), ground duels (13 to 7), and interceptions (11 to 4).
Branthwaite has had 47 duels versus 30 for Martinez and holds a slight edge in long pass accuracy (45.24% to 44.74%).
United will hope Branthwaite can keep up those numbers if he comes to Old Trafford – as long as the club and Ratcliffe can agree on Everton’s price this time around.