According to a report by BBC Sport on Friday, October 16, 2026, according to reports, Barcelona is keeping tabs on Lisandro Martinez, a defender for Manchester United, in case the Argentine international becomes a free agent next summer and Barcelona decides to make a move for him.

After years of admiration, the Spanish giants are still curious about Martinez's status at Old Trafford. In light of the doubts surrounding his future with Manchester United, Barcelona is closely monitoring his contract in anticipation of the upcoming transfer window.

Barcelona is looking to bolster their roster with players who can contribute right away. The Catalan club is continuing to be frugal, so the chance to sign a seasoned defender without paying a transfer fee could be enticing.

Martinez became a key cog in Manchester United's defense after joining the club from Ajax in 2022. Being a threat at center back, he keeps his cool when he has the ball and can find teammates in the middle of the field with his passes.

The Argentine's will to win and his ability to match up against powerful attackers are also notable qualities. His defensive skills and experience make him a desirable target for Barcelona, despite the fact that injuries have limited his availability while in England.

Martinez has long been a target for the club, and they may reevaluate their strategy if a window of opportunity presents itself regarding his situation at Manchester United.

Nevertheless, his future with the Premier League club is highly dependent on his decision regarding a new contract.

Manchester United may be keen to keep Martinez on board if he decides to prolong his stay at Old Trafford.

But if he and his team are unable to come to terms and he becomes a free agent in the summer of 2019, Barcelona may increase their pursuit of him.

By avoiding the expense of a transfer fee, Barcelona would be able to bolster their defensive options through a possible free transfer, freeing up capital for use elsewhere on the team.

Meanwhile, Manchester United may have to consider extending an offer to the player in order to prevent the loss of a key player without receiving compensation.

At this time, there is still no deal in place, and Barcelona is only interested in keeping tabs on developments. But as the summer 2027 transfer window draws near, Martinez's contract situation might become a big topic of conversation.