Is Anthony Martial's Club Eager to Part Ways Amid Surprise Transfer Talks?

Anthony Martial, the former Manchester United forward, is facing difficulties in securing a transfer from AEK Athens as the club seeks to offload him due to disappointing performances and high wages. The 29-year-old, who scored 90 goals during his nine-year tenure at Manchester United, has struggled to justify his €2.5 million (£2.16 million) salary in Greece, leading to complications in finding a new club.

Last updated: 12 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Martial left Manchester United in 2022 on a free transfer to AEK Athens.
• His performances in Greece have been underwhelming, with only nine goals in 23 appearances last season.
• AEK Athens is eager to sell him but faces challenges due to his hefty salary.
• Pumas UNAM in Mexico has shown interest but are unwilling to match his current wages.
• Transfer windows in Mexico and Turkey are still open, but time is running out for AEK.

Martial's Journey from Manchester United to AEK Athens

Anthony Martial joined Manchester United from AS Monaco in 2015 for an initial fee of £36 million, a record for a teenager at the time. Over the next nine years, he made 317 appearances, scoring 90 goals. His time at Old Trafford had its highs and lows; notably, he enjoyed a standout season in 2019/20, where he netted 23 goals. However, many fans felt his overall contribution was inconsistent, leading to a somewhat mixed legacy.

The Transition to AEK Athens

After leaving Manchester United on a free transfer in 2022, Martial signed with AEK Athens. His first season in the Greek Super League saw him score nine goals in 23 appearances, but the club's management quickly grew frustrated with his performances and injury concerns. Reports suggest that AEK Athens has been keen to offload him since May 2023, believing his salary does not reflect his on-field contributions.

The Financial Standoff

Martial's current contract with AEK Athens includes a salary of €2.5 million (£2.16 million) per year. The club feels he has not justified this expenditure, particularly given his limited playing time—he has only made one appearance so far this season. As transfer windows close in various leagues, the urgency to find a buyer grows.

Possible Destinations for Martial

With the transfer window closing in Mexico on 12 September and in Turkey on 12 September, AEK Athens is actively searching for potential suitors. Reports indicate that Pumas UNAM, a Mexican club, has expressed interest. However, the primary sticking point remains that Pumas is unwilling to match Martial's current salary, and he is reportedly not keen on taking a pay cut.

Comparing Transfer Opportunities

As of now, AEK Athens is exploring multiple avenues for a potential transfer. The remaining transfer windows offer a few options:

• Mexico: Pumas UNAM could be a viable option, but financial constraints hinder the deal.
• Turkey: The Turkish Super Lig window closes on 12 September, leaving little time for negotiations.
• Saudi Arabia: This league's window remains open until 23 September, providing more time but also fierce competition for players.

Martial's Emotional Farewell to Manchester United

Despite the mixed feelings surrounding his legacy at Manchester United, Martial penned an emotional farewell to the club upon his departure. In his message, he expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support during both challenging and successful times. He referred to his time at the club as "incredible" and stated that Manchester United would always hold a special place in his heart.

What Happens Next?

The clock is ticking for AEK Athens to find a resolution before the transfer windows close. The situation remains fluid, and the club is likely weighing their options while trying to negotiate terms that will satisfy both parties. As it stands, Martial's future is uncertain, hinging on whether he is willing to compromise on salary or if other clubs will step in to make an offer.

Conclusion

Anthony Martial's situation at AEK Athens illustrates the complexities of football transfers, where financial expectations and performance levels must align for deals to materialise. With the closing transfer windows approaching, both the player and club face pressing decisions that could shape their immediate futures. Will Martial remain in Greece, or will he find a new home that meets his financial expectations? Only time will tell.

#AnthonyMartial #AEKAthens #FootballTransfers

FAQs

Why did Anthony Martial leave Manchester United?

Anthony Martial left Manchester United to seek new challenges after a nine-year tenure, where he experienced both successes and disappointments. His departure was partly due to a lack of consistent playing time and performance issues.

What is Anthony Martial's salary at AEK Athens?

Anthony Martial earns a salary of €2.5 million (£2.16 million) per year at AEK Athens, which the club feels is not justified by his performances.

Are there any clubs interested in signing Martial?

Yes, Pumas UNAM in Mexico has shown interest in signing Anthony Martial, but negotiations are complicated due to salary demands that exceed their budget.

When do the transfer windows close for AEK Athens?

The transfer window for Liga MX, where Pumas UNAM is based, closes on 12 September, while the Turkish Super Lig window also closes on the same day. The Saudi Pro League window remains open until 23 September.

What were Martial's best moments at Manchester United?

Some of Anthony Martial's best moments at Manchester United include scoring 23 goals in the 2019/20 season and his overall contributions in important matches, showcasing his talent and potential.