French striker Anthony Martial joined Old Trafford on a €60 million transfer from Monaco in 2015. “Actually too young and inexperienced for what awaited him in the Premier League. There were a few decent seasons before he was loaned out to Sevilla in 2022.
Now, as a 30-year-old, he should have been at the peak of his career, but the fact is he is clubless.
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Málaga close to signing Martial
The French striker is currently without a club, and is said to have offered himself to Málaga in recent hours.
Anthony Martial has been offered as a new signing for Málaga CF, who are considering bringing in the free agent to bolster Juan Francisco Funes’ attack, reports Matteo Moretto. The 30-year-old from France would arrive without a transfer fee, and is willing to lower his salary expectations to close the deal.
The transfer gives Málaga the opportunity to sign a player outside of the regular transfer window, thanks to the Frenchman’s contract status. Martial can play both as a centre-forward and from the left wing, giving Funes more attacking options in the club’s comeback to LaLiga.
Anthony Martial backs Málaga CF
The biggest advantage of the operation is the financial aspect. Anthony Martial is currently without a club after his stay in Monterrey ended, so the Andalusian club does not have to pay a transfer fee. Wage negotiations are still pending, but the player is willing to reduce his demand to allow for a return to Spanish football.
Martial spent less than one season in Mexico, where he made 20 official appearances for Monterrey, scoring one goal and providing three assists – figures that fall short of his glory days at Manchester United.
His career in England still makes up the bulk of his track record. Between 2015 and 2024, he played 317 official games for Manchester United, scoring 90 goals and providing 46 assists. He also won trophies such as the Europa League, two FA Cup titles, and two League Cups.
The Frenchman already knows Spanish football. In January 2022, he joined Sevilla on loan from Manchester United, made 12 appearances, scored one goal and recorded one assist, before returning to England at the end of the season.
Juan Francisco Funes is looking for more offensive weapons
The offer comes at a time when Juan Francisco Funes is calling for more offensive efficiency. After the 0-0 draw against Levante, the coach admitted that the team lacks a decision in the final third, after four league rounds without a win.
This season marks Málaga’s return to La Liga after eight years outside the top division. The summer’s planning was characterized by tight financial frameworks, with a focus on cheap signings, so bringing in a free agent now fits well into that strategy – if the salary conditions are affordable.
Funes currently has Chupete as one of the main attacking reference points, but Martial would add a different kind of profile. He can play as a striker or on both wings, which provides tactical flexibility without requiring major adjustments. Martial has also been linked with Valencia in recent weeks.
A transition conditional on salary
As of now, Málaga is considering the offer, and there is no final agreement. From the absence of a transfer fee simplifies the discussions, but the club must ensure that the proposed salaries fit within the salary range before moving forward.
The next steps will depend on the final financial terms. Anthony Martial is willing to go to great lengths to return to Spain, and Málaga CF have the option of immediately bringing in a free player to their squad. If the numbers go up, Juan Francisco Funes could bolster his attack without having to wait until the January transfer window.
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