Milan Transfer Market: A New Name for the Defense—His Club Wants to Get Rid of Him

In the final days of the summer transfer window, Milan tried everything to sign Gonçalo Inácio, but Sporting stood firm, and the young defender remained in Lisbon. The idea of signing a new center back, however, has never left the minds of Gerry Cardinale and Ruben Amorim: now, thanks to Matteo Gabbia’s injury, it could finally come to fruition.

The Gonçalo Inácio option hasn’t been ruled out, but in the last few hours a new possibility has emerged: Lisandro Martínez of Manchester United. The rock-solid Argentine center back spoke out harshly after the Red Devils’ loss to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, and the club didn’t take it well.

“I expect more from our technical director,” the defender told Prime Video. Last year we had a fantastic season, but now we’re far from the top level. We need to sign more players; I expect more investment. We players need to do more, but it’s also important to have a strong team. The coach is doing his best, but every season is different, and you can’t stay the same as you were. You can’t keep changing coaches—what about the other aspects of the club?”

According to English sources, Manchester United’s top brass did not take kindly to the comments from the player born in 1998. The Argentine’s future is also complicated by his contract situation: he has a deal valid through June 2027 with an annual renewal option, though it’s now hard to imagine that option being exercised.

At present, this is merely speculation for Milan, which will also have to figure out how to balance the books, but the Rossoneri have sensed an opportunity and will follow the situation’s development with interest.