(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – May 9, 2026 – Manchester United’s interim manager, Michael Carrick, watches his side take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Manchester United are reportedly tracking Aston Villa centre‑back Ezri Konsa as a possible replacement for Lisandro Martínez, who has been linked with a move away from the club. Spanish sources claim the Red Devils view the 28‑year‑old England international as an attractive alternative to the Argentine defender.
Atlético Madrid have reportedly offered €40 million for Martínez, though it remains uncertain whether the proposal will be accepted. The Argentine centre‑back is widely regarded as a quality player, and his departure would represent a significant loss for Manchester United.
Ezri Konsa has impressed in the Premier League for Aston Villa and could provide an intriguing option for United. The chance to join a top‑tier club such as Manchester United would be appealing, coming at a time when he is at the peak of his career and may have limited opportunities to move to an elite side. Nevertheless, Villa are contending in the UEFA Champions League and will be reluctant to part ways with one of their key defenders.
Aston Villa have already allowed Youri Tielemans to join Manchester United, and losing another of their established defenders would be hard to accept. Persuading the West Midlands club to sell Konsa will likely require United to meet a substantial asking price, potentially above the €40 million figure being discussed for Martínez.
In the meantime, the 28‑year‑old centre‑back is well‑settled in England and could integrate quickly, making an immediate impact for Manchester United should the transfer materialise.
Konsa’s ability to play both central defence and right‑back adds flexibility to United’s back‑line, a valuable asset should the club secure his signature.
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