Antony Martial ‘offered biggest contract in club’s history’ as he’s lined up for free transfer after Man Utd release
ANTHONY MARTIAL has been offered the biggest contract in AEK Athens’ history, according to reports.
The Frenchman, 28, had the world at his feet 10 years ago, but was released by Manchester United this summer.
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Martial remains a free-agent three months after his contract expired, as Ligue 1 outfit Lille played down talk of a move.
But after a summer full of waiting, Greek side AEK Athens have made their most lucrative offer to Martial.
AEK have promised the former Prem star the biggest contract they have ever given in their 100-year history.
If he joined the Athens-based side he would take home more than current highest earner and former Tottenham midfielder Erik Lamela, according to Sport24.
While the details of Martial’s exact figure have not yet been released, Lamela nets £2.1million-a-year.
The pair have a torrid history from their time in the Prem after Martial was shown a straight red card for striking Lamela – who made the most of it – in the face during United’s 6-1 defeat to Tottenham in 2020.
Lamela also joined as a free agent from Sevilla this summer and will be there until at least 2027.
AEK’s director Panagiotis Kone arrived in London three days ago to push through a deal for Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana.
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The 21-year-old was signed in January 2023 from Molde for £10million and had loan spells at Union Berlin and Burnley last term without particularly impressing at either destination.
AEK Athens are eager to get Fofana’s deal over the line before September 11, which is transfer deadline day in Greece.
Meanwhile, Martial started only 17 Premier League games in his last three seasons with the Red Devils.
A statistic which makes a mockery of his colossal £250,000-per-week wages and raised the question of why United did not do more to get him off the bill earlier.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia, the MLS and Mexico have also been linked with a move for the mercurial striker.
Martial joined the United in 2015 aged 19 in a £44.5million transfer from Monaco – the world’s most expensive teenager at the time.
He was tipped to become one of the best players in the world.
The young striker was making huge waves after scoring 12 times in 48 Monaco appearances as he broke into the first-team as a 17-year-old.
Martial won the Golden Boy award in December 2015 – a prestigious prize given to the best player in the world aged under 21.
Previous recipients of the award include Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero.
While winners since count Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham.
It was then no surprise to see a Ballon d’Or clause included in Martial’s original deal to United, even being heralded as good business.
But Martial’s time at United was a disappointment overall, scoring 90 times in 317 appearances.