The striker is looking for a move that will revive his previously glittering career after becoming a free agent in June when his contract with Mexican side Monterrey was terminated by mutual consent.
Anthony Martial is said to be closing in on a deal to return to Europe – after turning down a mega money move amid worries over playing time. The former Man Utd striker is said to be looking for a move that will revive his previously glittering career after becoming a free agent in June when his contract with Mexican side Monterrey was terminated by mutual consent.
The French forward scored just once in 20 appearances for the club after joining 12 months before which led to the club and player deciding to part ways. Before this he was in Greece with AEK Athens, where he found the net nine times in 24 appearances.
Martial was once one fo Man Utd’s leading forwards, and now – aged 30 – he is hoping he still has more playing years left in him at the top and is said to be basing his next move on where he will play most.
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It is said that over the summer, the former France international ‘turned down firm offers’ from two Ligue 1 clubs – according to Foot Mercato – because there were no significant guarantees of regular playing time, something he believes he needs to excel again at the highest level.
Now it appears LaLiga side Malaga are willing to take a chance and have offered a role in the starting line up on the regular.
Foot Mercato have now revealed that he is in ‘advanced talks’ over a return to LaLiga, after previously joining Sevilla on loan during the 2021/22 campaign, with the report adding that he could sign for the Spanish side in the ‘coming days’.
They also claim Libyan side Al-Ittihad Tripoli offered Martial a ‘crazy proposal’, which included a net salary of €10million (£8.6m) over two years with a jaw-dropping €5million (£4.3m) signing-on bonus but he rejected it, believing he needs to play in Europe to be spotted by teams and managers at the highest level.
Martial rejected the opportunity to earn a whopping £12.9m until the autumn of 2028, in a clear indication that he’s prioritising a genuine project where he can showcase his talents in Europe.
Malaga are currently 18th in LaLiga following promotion last term, drawing three and losing two of their opening five matches, and they will be hoping he can get back to form like he did while playing in England during Manchester United’s 2019/20 campaign.
There he produced 17 goals in 32 top-flight appearances, while his four goals in the Europa League helped United reach the semi-finals.
At Malaga, it is likely he would be a guaranteed starter for a side battling relegation, with a switch to LaLiga possibly suiting Martial’s perfectly, as attackers have more time and space in the final third to make decisions, and he could use his pace to trouble opposition defences.
For the Frenchman, proving he still has the mentality to compete in one of Europe’s top five leagues is equally as important as demonstrating his talent, with many Man United fans hoping he can return to his best.