World Cup standout Lisandro Martinez is linked with a move to Diego Simeone's side as Manchester United face a dilemma over the Argentine defender's expiring contract.
Manchester United have already seen substantial funds from player departures with Rasmus Hojlund's move to Napoli made permanent, bringing in £38m for United. Recent reports have also revealed Fenerbahce's move for Mason Greenwood which could see United gain an additional £10-£12m.
However, a recent injury to Manuel Ugarte at the 2026 World Cup has put possibilities of a sale on hold with the Uruguayan set to be sidelined for a long time. Other possible sales including Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount have quietened down.
With arrivals coming thick and fast at Old Trafford in the forms of Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow and Youri Tielemans, United could be forced into more departures.
One key starter for Michael Carrick has been offered to Atletico Madrid after impressive performances at the World Cup and concerns over his contract nearing an end.
Lisandro Martinez offered to Atletico Madrid
According to El Chiringuito TV, Lisandro Martinez has been offered to Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid. The Argentine's contract at Old Trafford expires in 2027, and despite being a clear starter under Michael Carrick, he has yet to sign to further his stay.
Martinez has impressed at the 2026 World Cup particularly against Cape Verde and Switzerland where the centre back's display both attacking and defending proved to be vital in Argentina's progression.
Five of Simeone's Atletico Madrid players are national teammates with Martinez, making them familiar with the defender's capabilities as they await a semi-final clash with England.
Martinez signed for United under Erik ten Hag in the 2022/23 season, defying expectations and delivering to a high standard as United finished third. Whilst injuries have slowed Martinez down, he has continued to bounce back and perform for United.
Can United lose such a key player?
Last season saw United only competing in the Premier League, after being eliminated from both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup at the first stages, and failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Despite the small volume of games, United still had defensive injury problems, leading them to rely on a centre-back pairing of Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Whilst United did win and keep a clean sheet, it cannot be sustainable for Carrick's side to rely on so many unfamiliar defensive partnerships.
United have played the best football with Harry Maguire and Martinez as the defensive duo which saw the most success under Carrick. Balancing European football with domestic games will stretch the availability and fitness of the squad.
Losing Martinez would leave a huge hole in United's squad which would be a major challenge to fill especially with the midfield needing so much attention already after the departure of Casemiro.
