Anthony Martial transfer latest: Staggeringly-low price not enough as trusted source’s reveal leaves Ten Hag with big problem
Manchester United have reportedly informed potential suitors that they are willing to accept a knockdown fee of just £20m for Anthony Martial this summer – but efforts to offload him appear destined to fail.
The 26-year-old has no future at Old Trafford, having been told he is not part of Erik ten Hag’s plans. The new United boss is looking to offload the Frenchman to help raise transfer funds as he looks to remodel his squad.
Martial has been at United since September 2015 when he signed in an intial £36m. That deal has since risen to £58m with add-ons, making him – at the time – the world’s most expensive teenager.
And the Frenchman has shown flashes of his brilliance, scoring 23 goals in 48 appearances during the 2019/2020 season. However, that’s as good as it got for Martial – and now it seems his time is up.
Indeed, the writing was seemingly on the wall for the player when he was allowed to leave on loan for Sevilla in January. That move gave the LaLiga side the option to make the move permanent.
However, just one goal in 12 appearances did not convince – and the Andalucians quickly sent him packing with a sobering message.
‘Nobody breaking the door down’
As it stands, Martial is due to return to Carrington for pre-season training at the start of July.
Reports claim United are actively seeking a buyer for the Frenchman. To that end, multiple reports claim United are seeking just £20m for his services.
However, the Manchester Evening News claims that dramatic price drop is unlikely to be enough to tempt any suitors. Sources have told the paper that “nobody is breaking the door down” to sign Martial.
And with the player contracted to Old Trafford until 2024, it seems Manchester United will be stuck with Martial for some time yet.
Furthermore, his estimated wages of £240,000 a week means United are forking out just shy of £1m a month for the player. And the fact that he would likely need to take a mammoth wages cut to move elsewhere is not working in their favour.
As such, Ten Hag reportedly now faces a big problem over Martial. As such, he will likely have to use the player in some capacity.
United made massive mistake over Anthony Martial
Like Alexis Sanchez before him, United have made a bad choice in tying Martial down to such a long deal and on big wages.
Former manager Jose Mourinho tried time and again to offload the Frenchman; perhaps he was right all along?!
Even so, the outcome means United are likely to be stuck with Martial throughout the 2021/22 season. Their best hope is that he recaptures some form and a deal to offload him can be resurrected again in January.
Another option of course could be another loan away. But such are his wages that United are likely to face the scenario whereby they will need to pay up to get rid themselves.
Martial flops at Sevilla but what do Manchester United do with him
Anthony Martial has flopped since he moved to Sevilla on loan but where will the Manchester United forward go next
The whole sorry saga does not reflect well on the club. The mistakes made by the past regime are already hurting Ten Hag and damaging his plans to shake up the club.
A parting of ways is essential for Anthony Martial – but it does not look like one is coming any time soon.
