Atlético Madrid and Barcelona are ready to pounce on Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martínez as his time at the Premier League side seems to come to an end.

The Argentina international arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax in 2022 and has been a regular when available for selection. He played 119 matches for Manchester United, as repeated injuries have largely restricted his appearances.

Michael Carrick’s side have endured a difficult start this season, winning only two matches so far. They are without a win for more than a month and are above [16th] the relegation zone in the league.

After Manchester United’s Champions League defeat to Atlético in October, the defender lashed out at the club’s board for not carryout out enough reinforcements in the summer. That didn’t please the Red Devils, and the 28-year-old later issued an apology.

Manchester United spell ending

Friday’s edition of AS highlights these incidents and says the centre-back went from a hero to a villain in recent weeks. These developments are likely to have a big impact on his Old Trafford future.

His contract expires in 2027, with an option for another year. Despite this, everything points to him leaving Manchester United after this season. That’s because neither the Red Devils nor the player want to exercise the option until 2028.

This means that Lisandro Martínez will be free to negotiate with a new club from January. AS states ‘by then, ‘Licha’ will have to make a difficult decision.’

La Liga option for Manchester United star 

The South American’s difficult situation at Manchester United has alerted Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, and the newspaper states both clubs have positioned themselves to sign him.

He recently endorsed Lisandro Martínez’s arrival at the Madrid club.

“A player I’d bring to my club? Lisandro Martínez,” he said.

For Los Rojiblancos, Martínez fits both in sporting and financial aspects. Barcelona, on the other hand, have him on their agenda.

The Manchester United player won’t be short of options as his profile is also popular in Italy. Inter Milan, Como and AS Roma are among his suitors.

It’s unclear where the South American will play next season. What’s certain now is that it won’t be at Old Trafford.