Former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has reached a verbal agreement for a free transfer to a European club, where he will become the highest-paid player in the club’s history, according to sources.
Martial departed from Manchester United following the conclusion of his contract on June 30 and attracted interest from teams in Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Mexico.
Nevertheless, weeks elapsed without the 28-year-old executing the contract, and with the new season now a month underway, Martial remains uncontracted.
However, this situation is set to alter, as two sources have verified that Martial is prepared to sign with the Greek powerhouse AEK Athens.
Reporter Matteo Moretto said on X: “Verbal agreement between AEK Athens and Anthony Martial.” This signifies a verbal accord between AEK Athens and Anthony Martial.
On Tuesday morning, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano corroborated such assertions with his own update.
“AEK Athens is nearing an agreement to acquire Anthony Martial as a free agent,” announced Romano.
“Following the breakdown of negotiations with Flamengo, AEK Athens is optimistic about finalising the agreement in the coming hours.”
A previous report from Sport24 revealed AEK Athens’ interest in Martial in early September.
Their assertion was that the Greek club had invested significantly in their pursuit of Martial, presenting an offer that, if accepted, would become Martial the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
The exact amount Martial will receive was not disclosed. Former Tottenham winger Erik Lamela joined AEK Athens during the summer and is reportedly the highest-paid player, earning €2.5 million a season.
This amounts to €48,000 (£40,500 / $53,000) weekly, and Martial is poised to exceed these figures.
Martial evades De Gea recurrence
As Romano said, Martial has attracted attention from the Brazilian club Flamengo.
Communication between club authorities and Martial’s representatives has occurred; nonetheless, unless unforeseen complications arise, Martial’s career will proceed in Europe with AEK Athens.
Martial will thus circumvent the protracted hiatus in his playing career that fellow Manchester United graduate David de Gea encountered when departing the club as a free agent.
De Gea left Old Trafford in June 2023 and did not join Fiorentina until August 2024, more than a year later.
New Manchester United agreement / Mason Greenwood’s reinstatement
In other news, Manchester United is poised to extend a lucrative new deal to a prolific forward. Their contingency plan in the absence of a new agreement has also surfaced.
Talk has exclusively disclosed that former Manchester United winger Mason Greenwood has consented to return to the international stage.
Instead of representing England, for whom he has one cap, Greenwood has approved a change of allegiance to Jamaica, guided by former Manchester United assistant Steve McClaren.
Additionally, Manchester United has been informed that Newcastle’s connections to the expensive failure Antony would prove fruitless, as his three primary deficiencies have been identified.
Manchester United’s substantial summer purge
The Red Devils transferred several first-team players throughout the summer, in a string of departures that many consider to be long overdue. Who departed, what was their destination, and what was the cost?
Enduring sales
Aaron Wan-Bissaka transferred to West Ham for £15 million and has swiftly surpassed Vladimir Coufal in the right-back selection competition.
Willy Kambwala relocated to Spain upon signing with Villarreal in a transaction valued at £9.7 million.
Hannibal Mejbri transferred to Burnley, descending a division, in a transaction that included a substantial clause.
Scott McTominay generated about £25 million in net profit for Manchester United upon his transfer to Antonio Conte’s Napoli.
Donny van de Beek transferred to Girona in a highly incentivised agreement. Van van Beek has since discussed his bleak tenure at United.
Facundo Pellistri transferred to the Greek club Panathinaikos for a total fee of £6.8 million. United implemented a 45 percent sell-on provision and incorporated a buy-back mechanism that stays valid until 2027.
Mason Greenwood transferred to Marseille for £26.7 million and has notably scored five goals in four outings to date.
Loan disbursements
Jadon Sancho was loaned to Chelsea for the duration of the 2024/25 season. The agreement includes a contingent obligation to purchase valued at £25 million, which will be activated if Chelsea concludes the season in 14th place or higher in the Premier League. Sancho was awarded man of the match on his debut for the Blues.
Unrestricted agents
Raphael Varane significantly reduced the pay bill upon his signing with the newly-promoted Serie A club Como.
Brandon Williams is currently unassociated following the conclusion of his 16-year tenure at United.
Omari Forson declined Manchester United’s contract renewal in lieu of signing with Monza.
Anthony Martial has left and has reached a verbal agreement to join the Greek club AEK Athens.