Anthony Martial has reportedly been offered a lucrative contract by Greek side AEK Athens, a deal that would make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
After spending nine years at Manchester United, Martial was released this past summer and is now a free agent. The 28-year-old French forward has been linked to various clubs across Europe, as well as potential moves to Saudi Arabia and the United States.
With his career at a crossroads, Martial is running out of time to secure a significant deal before his value declines further.
Once regarded as one of Europe’s most promising talents, Martial’s Manchester United career began with a memorable goal against Liverpool, where he dribbled past Martin Skrtel to score. Despite moments of brilliance—such as his 17-goal season in 2019/20—he never fully lived up to the early expectations.
According to reports from Sport 24 via The Sun, AEK Athens is undeterred by Martial’s previous £250,000-a-week wage at United. The club’s current highest earner is former Tottenham winger Erik Lamela, who joined in July after a challenging stint at Sevilla.
He frequently failed to show the urgency needed to make crucial runs, often trailing behind the play and missing key opportunities to find space in the opponent’s box. His seemingly indifferent demeanor on the pitch gave the impression of being unbothered, further disappointing fans who expected more effort, especially given his substantial salary.
Injuries have also plagued Martial’s career, preventing him from maintaining consistency and leaving him without a club for extended periods. According to Transfermarkt, he suffered 20 separate injuries between 2019 and his exit from United, making any long-term deal with him a significant gamble.
If AEK Athens proceeds with the contract, they’ll be signing a player who has the ability to win matches at that level. Martial thrives when he relies on instinct and is supported by a hardworking team that focuses on getting him the ball. His next move will be crucial for a career that has veered so far off course that he hasn’t earned a call-up to the France national team since 2021.