Barcelona considering unusual salary proposal for Lisandro Martinez, Digi Mart USA News: Barcelona are considering an unconventional financial arrangement to sign Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez in January. The Catalan club is reportedly prepared to offer the Argentine a lower initial salary before increasing his earnings in subsequent seasons.
According to SPORT, the proposal could help sporting director Deco overcome Barcelona’s financial restrictions while securing a centre-back who has emerged as a realistic target for coach Hansi Flick. The 28-year-old’s contractual situation at Manchester United makes the opportunity particularly interesting for Barcelona.
Martinez’s existing agreement expires in June 2027, although the Premier League club holds an option to extend it by another year. Barcelona believe this could create an opportunity to negotiate a financially favourable deal, provided United do not activate that clause.
As per the outlet, the proposed arrangement would see Martinez accept relatively modest wages for the remainder of the 2026/27 campaign, with Barcelona compensating him through higher payments in subsequent seasons. This structure would help the club manage its immediate salary commitments while acquiring a top-quality centre-back at a low price.
It has been suggested that Martinez is open to leaving Manchester United, with his situation at Old Trafford becoming uncertain following disagreements surrounding the club’s sporting direction. Deco is monitoring developments, although Martinez is not the only defender under consideration.
The defender’s contractual position is central to Barcelona’s interest. Without an extension, Martinez could negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January, potentially allowing him to leave when his existing deal expires.
However, United retain an option to extend his contract until 2028, meaning Barcelona cannot assume he will become available without a transfer fee. The report notes that as long as the player does not agree, that additional year will not be triggered, and given the current state of affairs at Old Trafford, the Argentine is likely to head towards an exit.
Barcelona’s interest is also driven by defensive problems, as injuries to Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde have exposed the squad’s limited options and increased pressure on Flick to secure additional cover. The club had already considered recruiting a centre-back during the summer but ultimately failed to complete an acquisition.
Martinez has emerged as an attractive option for Flick, but the proposed salary structure could make negotiations more complicated.
