Barcelona explore unusual salary plan to sign Lisandro Martínez in January

Barcelona are considering an unconventional financial arrangement to sign Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez in January. According to reports, the Catalan club is prepared to offer the Argentine a lower initial salary, with his earnings rising in the seasons that follow.

A salary structure to ease financial limits

The proposal could help sporting director Deco work around Barcelona's financial restrictions while securing a centre-back who has emerged as a realistic target for head coach Hansi Flick. Under the suggested structure, Martínez would accept relatively modest wages for the rest of the 2026/27 season, with Barcelona compensating him through higher payments in later seasons. The arrangement would allow the club to manage its immediate salary commitments while still signing a high-quality defender at a lower cost.

The 28-year-old's contract situation is central to the interest. His current agreement runs until June 2027, but Manchester United hold an option to extend it by a further year. Barcelona believe they could negotiate a financially favourable deal if United do not activate that clause.

Contract status could open the door

Without an extension, Martínez could agree a pre-contract with clubs abroad from January, which would allow him to leave Old Trafford when his current deal expires. Reports indicate that the defender is open to leaving, with his position at the club uncertain after disagreements over the direction of its sporting project.

There is a caveat. United retain the option to extend his deal until 2028, so Barcelona cannot assume he will be available without a transfer fee. The option cannot take effect unless the player agrees to it, and the reports suggest that, given the current situation at Old Trafford, an exit is the more likely outcome for the Argentine.

Injuries add pressure on the defence

Barcelona's interest is also driven by their defensive problems. Injuries to Eric García, Andreas Christensen and Jules Koundé have left the squad with limited options and increased pressure on Flick to find additional cover at the back.

The club had already considered signing a centre-back during the summer but did not complete a deal. Martínez has now become an attractive option for Flick, although the proposed salary structure could make negotiations more complicated.