Anthony Martial 'agrees' shock transfer months after Man United exit
Former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has reportedly agreed a shock transfer to AEK Athens.
The 28-year-old left United at the end of his contract in June and has been without a club since. He had been linked with a move to Brazilian outfit Flamengo, but his salary demands were described as 'unworkable'. It was also reported that Atalanta, Marseille, Besiktas and Lille were considering a deal last month. None of those possible moves materialised, however.
Now, after over three months as a free agent, Martial has found new employers. According to Relevo, he has verbally agreed to sign for AEK, who are top of the Greece Super League after four matches. The club wanted to sign David Datro Fofana from Chelsea but have instead turned to Martial to solve their striker conundrum.
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Martial joined United from Monaco for £36million back in 2015, becoming the world's most expensive teenager in the process. He started his career at Old Trafford well, scoring on his debut against Liverpool. He ended his maiden campaign with an impressive 17 goals in 49 appearances.
The Frenchman wasn't as prolific in his second season, though he managed to finish with eight goals in all competitions. After a frustrating couple of years, Martial had his best season of his career to date in 2019/20, ending that campaign with 23 goals in 48 matches and it felt as though he might fulfil his lofty expectations.
But since then, Martial has struggled. In fact, the Monaco forward has scored just 19 goals across the last four years. During that period, he has missed 65 matches through injury and he never really kicked on throughout the tale end of his time at United. Back in May, it was announced that Martial would leave the club after nine years.
In a statement on Instagram, Martial confirmed his exit from United. He said: "It’s with great emotion that I write to you today to say goodbye. After nine incredible years at the club, the time has come for me to turn a new page in my career.
"Since I arrived in 2015, I have had the immense honour of wearing this shirt and playing in front of you, the best supporters in the world! You have been an unwavering support, through the good times and the difficult. Your passion and loyalty have been a constant source of motivation for me.
"I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for me. Your songs, your encouragement and your love for the club are memories that will remain engraved in my heart forever.
"I would also like to express my gratitude to all my team-mates, technical staff and all the members of the club I have met during my nine years here. I am proud to have been able to share these experiences with you.
"Manchester United will always be in my heart. This club has left its mark on my career and offered me an incredible opportunity to play in front of you. I’m leaving to take on new challenges, I’ll always be a Red Devil and I’ll continue to follow the club’s results with passion. "Thank you again for everything and see you soon. With all my affection, Anthony Martial."