Anthony Martial, the French forward who was released by Manchester United this summer, has reportedly been offered the biggest contract in AEK Athens’ history. The Greek side is eager to sign the 28-year-old, who remains a free agent, and has promised him a lucrative deal. If Martial were to join AEK Athens, he would earn more than the current highest earner, former Tottenham midfielder Erik Lamela. The exact figure of Martial’s contract has not been released, but Lamela earns £2.1 million per year.
Martial’s potential move to AEK Athens would mark a significant turning point in his career. Just a decade ago, he was considered one of the most promising young talents in the world. However, his time at Manchester United was largely disappointing, as he started only 17 Premier League games in his last three seasons with the club. This raises questions about why United did not make more efforts to offload him sooner, considering his hefty £250,000-per-week wages.
Various clubs, including those in Saudi Arabia, the MLS, and Mexico, have been linked with a move for Martial. It is clear that there is still interest in his abilities, despite his underwhelming performances in recent years. However, it remains to be seen where he will ultimately end up.
Martial’s journey from being the world’s most expensive teenager when he joined Manchester United from Monaco in 2015 to his current status as a free agent is a stark reminder of how quickly things can change in football. At just 19 years old, he was tipped to become one of the best players in the world and even won the prestigious Golden Boy award for being the best player under the age of 21 in 2015.
While Martial’s time at Manchester United may not have lived up to the initial hype, it is important to remember that he was still able to achieve some notable milestones during his tenure. He scored 90 goals in 317 appearances for the club, a respectable record for any player. However, the inconsistency in his performances and lack of regular playing time ultimately hindered his progress.
As Martial contemplates his next move, it is clear that he still has the potential to make a significant impact in the right environment. Whether that will be with AEK Athens or another club remains to be seen. One thing is certain, though: Martial’s career will be closely watched by football fans and analysts alike, as they wait to see if he can fulfill the promise he once showed as a young prodigy.