Manchester United remain confident in Lisandro Martinez despite continued questions surrounding the defender’s long-term future at Old Trafford.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided a fresh update on the club’s plans, revealing that Manchester United are expected to hold discussions with Martinez’s representatives about a potential new contract in the coming months.
Martinez joined United in 2022 and currently has a contract that runs until the summer of 2027. The agreement also gives Manchester United an option to extend his stay for another year.
That clause gives the club some security, but United are still considering a longer-term solution for one of their key defenders.
Manchester United Still Trust Lisandro Martinez
According to Romano, Manchester United continue to have faith in Martinez and are not currently facing a situation where the Argentine defender is actively negotiating with another club.
Romano explained on the Here We Go Podcast that Manchester United have an option to extend Martinez’s contract until 2028.
“Manchester United also have a clause to extend his contract until 2028. So, they feel calm and are still in control of the situation,” Romano said.
The presence of that option means United are not under immediate pressure to make a decision.
The club can continue assessing Martinez’s performances and fitness before determining the next step.
For now, the message from United appears to be one of confidence rather than concern.
Two Conditions Could Influence a New Deal
Before Romano’s latest update, reports had suggested that Manchester United had specific considerations regarding Martinez’s future.
Pete O’Rourke previously reported through Football Insider that the club would be willing to offer the defender a new contract under two conditions.
The first is Martinez’s ability to remain fit.
The second is his performance level throughout the season.
Those factors are understandable given the defender’s injury history over the past few years.
If Martinez can maintain his fitness and produce an impressive campaign, United would have stronger reasons to commit to a longer-term agreement.
The situation therefore appears to depend partly on what happens on the pitch over the coming months.
Martinez Has Faced Injury Problems
Injuries have been an important part of the discussion surrounding Martinez’s future.
Romano acknowledged that the Argentina international has experienced several fitness problems in recent years.
However, those setbacks have not changed Manchester United’s belief in the player.
“He is 28 years old, so he is at the peak of his experience. He has been unlucky with injuries in recent years, but Manchester United still believe in Lisandro as a leader and a top defender,” Romano said.
That assessment highlights how United continue to value Martinez beyond his defensive ability.
His leadership is also considered an important part of his role within the squad.
Manchester United Have a Backup Plan
While United continue to trust Martinez, reports have also indicated that the club has considered potential alternatives in defence.
On September 16, Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk reported that Manchester United had begun preparing for the possibility of Martinez and Harry Maguire leaving the club.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was identified as one of the potential candidates who could replace Martinez if the Argentine eventually departs Old Trafford in 2027.
That does not necessarily mean United expect Martinez to leave.
Football clubs routinely identify potential replacements as part of their long-term planning, particularly when contracts have a defined expiry date.
The existence of interest in Branthwaite can therefore be viewed as contingency planning rather than confirmation of a Martinez exit.
Contract Talks With Martinez’s Agent Are Expected
Romano’s latest information suggests that Manchester United intend to take the next step by speaking directly with Martinez’s representatives.
The discussions are expected to take place over the coming months.
“Besides having the clause, Manchester United also want to have proper talks with his agent to discuss the contract,” Romano explained.
That means the situation is not currently at the stage of a confirmed new agreement.
Instead, United have an existing option and are preparing to discuss the possibility of a fresh contract with the player’s camp.
Importantly, Romano also stated that Martinez is not currently negotiating with another club.
That gives Manchester United additional control over the situation.
What Happens Next for Lisandro Martinez?
The next stage will likely depend on Martinez’s performances and fitness.
Several factors are currently relevant to his future:
- His existing contract runs until 2027.
- Manchester United have an option to extend it until 2028.
- The club still believes in Martinez as a leader and defender.
- His recent injury history remains a consideration.
- United are expected to speak with his agent about a new contract.
- Martinez is not currently negotiating with another club.
- Jarrad Branthwaite has reportedly been considered as a potential defensive alternative.
Taken together, those details suggest Manchester United are not facing an urgent decision.
The club can assess Martinez’s condition and performances while retaining the option to extend his current agreement.
United’s Confidence Remains Clear
Lisandro Martinez’s future at Manchester United has attracted attention because of his contract situation and injury record.
However, Fabrizio Romano’s latest update paints a relatively stable picture.
United still trust the Argentine defender and see him as an experienced leader and high-level centre-back. The club also has an option to extend his contract, giving it additional protection while discussions take place.
A new deal is therefore possible, but it has not yet been finalized.
The coming months could be important as Manchester United assess Martinez’s fitness and performances before sitting down with his representatives.
For now, however, the situation remains firmly in United’s hands. The club has both contractual protection and a clear desire to continue working with a defender it still considers an important part of its plans.
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