Ex-Manchester United star Anthony Martial still without a job as move collapses due to 'unworkable' demands
09/10/2024 08:43 AM
Anthony Martial remains on the hunt for a new club after his demands reportedly proved too much for a would-be suitor.
The former Manchester United star left Old Trafford in June following the expiration of his contract, bringing to an end his nine-year stay in England, but remains a free agent three months later.
Having not played competitively since December 2023, Martial appeared to be nearing a return to the pitch when Flamengo were rumoured to have made a move for him last week.
However, the Brazilian giants are now said to have turned their nose up at a potential deal due to the Frenchman’s demands.
According to news outlet Meia Hora, Martial’s hopes of a contract were ‘unworkable’.
The 28-year-old is believed to have wanted a three-year deal on a salary that the Rio de Janeiro side were unwilling to consider.
Flamengo reportedly held talks with the forward after current striker Pedro suffered an ACL injury whilst on international duty with Brazil earlier this month.
But with Martial’s demands well in excess of anything the club were prepared to offer, all hope of a move is now thought to be over, with no possibility of negotiations progressing.
This isn’t the only interest in the former Red Devils man that has failed to materialise into a permanent deal.
Earlier this month, Greek Super League side AEK Athens were said to have tabled an offer to make Martial the highest paid player in the club’s history.
Though an exact figure was not revealed, it is understood that it would have seen him overtake former Tottenham midfielder Erik Lamela‘s £2.1million a year contract with the capital-based outfit.
Over the course of the summer, Martial has also been linked with Serie A side Atalanta and a return to France with Lille.
Few would have foreseen such an uncertain future for the attacker during his early days at United, where he made a name for himself as one of the most promising youngsters in world football.
Martial made the move to Old Trafford from Monaco for a £36m fee in 2015, making him the most expensive teenager ever at the time.
He made an instant impact, scoring a fine solo goal on his debut against Liverpool just minutes after coming off the bench, and finished his first season as the club’s top scorer, netting 17 times in all competitions.
Despite helping his team to FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League glory in his first two years, his impact later dwindled as injuries caused him to miss a total of 108 games.
He spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Spanish side Sevilla, before fitness issues saw his final season in England come to a premature end.
Martial’s last United appearance came in a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at the end of last year, and he confirmed in May that he would depart the club on the expiration of his contract.
He penned an emotional goodbye in an Instagram post, writing: “Dear Manchester United fans. 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.”
He finished by reiterating his love for the club: “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.
