Three defenders Man United should think about signing in January as Barcelona show interest in Lisandro Martinez
Barcelona have reportedly shown interest in signing Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez during the winter transfer window. But if the Argentine leaves Old Trafford, who could take his place?
It looks like Martinez’s time at United might be coming to an end after he openly criticized the club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, following their 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid on October 13. In a post-match interview at the Metropolitano, Martinez didn’t hold back, saying he expected more from the club’s leaders, especially after United spent £155 million on four new players this summer – Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, Carlos Baleba, and Karl Darlow.
He said, “I expect more from our technical director. I have to be honest. And also, as a player, we have to do more.” The club fined him for the comment, but he still started the next game against Leeds United.
Martinez’s contract runs until 2027, with an option for United to extend it by one more year. Since then, he’s been linked with a move to Barcelona. According to TEAMtalk, the Catalan club has already made enquiries about bringing him to Camp Nou in January. Talks have apparently taken place between the two clubs, and Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick values Martinez’s experience.
Since Martinez is normally a starter when fit, United would probably have to pay a big fee to replace him. One dream option is Everton and England defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Football Insider says United are interested in Branthwaite and are still leading the race to sign him, despite Everton rejecting bids of £35 million and £50 million in 2024. The 23-year-old, who has three England caps, is under contract until 2030 and could cost over £80 million. Even though he might be expensive, his Premier League experience and ability to play both as a left-sided centre-back and left-back would be very valuable for United.
Another smart choice could be Nottingham Forest’s Brazilian centre-back Murillo. Reports say United are keen to sign him in 2027. Like Branthwaite, Murillo has Premier League experience, which makes him stand out among other defenders in Europe. Forest reportedly want £70 million for the 24-year-old from Sao Paulo. Murillo has one Brazil cap and has played 123 times for Forest since 2023, helping them reach last season’s Europa League semi-finals. He’s tied to the club until 2030.
United might also consider RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba. Reports suggest several Premier League teams, including United, have shown interest in the French defender. The 23-year-old left-footer joined Leipzig from Lyon in 2023 and is now a regular starter, with 110 appearances. He’s under contract until 2029 and would probably cost over £50 million.
The winter transfer window opens on January 1, 2027, and closes on February 1.