Milan chase Man Utd’s Licha Martínez as Amorim plans defensive rebuild

As reported by MilanNews.it, Milan are considering bringing Manchester United midfielder Lisandro Martínez to San Siro.

The 28-year-old is one of the handful of players who remained a shining light towards the end of Amoim’s ill-fated tenure at Old Trafford. Now, the Portuguese has identified the left-footed diminutive centre-back as one of the two profiles — alongside Benfica’s Gonçalo Inácio — as the profiles he wants to kickstart Milan’s rebuild at the back.

Currently valued by Transfermarkt at €40 million, Martínez has one more year remaining on his £120,000-per-week United contract, though the club have the option to extend it by one year.

United will want to keep Martínez — for now

At the very least, United should extend Martínez contract by one year, if only to stop his value from declining.

Yes, the Argentine has had injury issues that have kept him out for large parts in recent seasons, but last season not only showcased that he might have put those problems behind him, it also showcased why he is so highly regarded as a centre-back despite criticism regarding his height, which has never really stood up to scrutiny whenever it has reared its head.

Martínez is left-footed, more than reliable on the ball, has keen spatial awareness, and can dominate sufficiently in aerial duels for all the talk of his height. It’s no surprise coaches rate him highly. That said, every player has a price, and if the recent Gonçalo Ramos negotiations are anything to go by, Milan may just be in a mood that could see them make an offer United won’t be able to refuse.

Anshuman Joshi | GIFN