Barcelona reportedly eye Lisandro Martinez for January move
Manchester United can extend the defender’s contract until June 2028, potentially complicating Barcelona’s reported interest.
Barcelona have included Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez among four defensive targets for January, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo. The 28-year-old’s current deal expires in June 2027, but United hold an option to add another 12 months. No offer or advanced talks between the clubs have been confirmed.
Mundo Deportivo also names Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Real Betis defender Natan as candidates. Barcelona reportedly want an experienced central defender who can contribute immediately, with financial constraints and the difficulty of arranging midseason transfers limiting their choices.
The search follows Barcelona’s 4-2 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain and 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid, ending an 11-match winning run. The club strengthened other areas during the summer but did not sign a specialist center-back.
Gvardiol’s Manchester City contract runs until June 2031, while Inter are not expected to consider a January sale of Bastoni. Martinez and Natan are consequently viewed as more attainable options, although the United defender’s injury history is a concern. Any major Barcelona signing is expected to depend on player departures and sale proceeds.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that United remained confident about Martinez’s contractual position and planned discussions with his representatives. Sky Sports, however, reported on October 15 that doubts remained about whether United would exercise the extension option.
