Former Manchester United striker Anthony Martial is close to joining Greek side AEK Athens after leaving Old Trafford at the expiration of his contract earlier in the summer, Soccernet.football understands.
Martial has been in search of a new club since departing Manchester United but the 2015 Golden Boy award recipient remains a free agent, even after the closure of the transfer window.
Brazilian side Flamengo and LOSC Lille were clubs touted as potential suitors for the Frenchman’s signature during the transfer window. However, Lille’s president, Olivier Létang, swiftly dismissed any connection to the former Olympique Lyonnais and AS Monaco striker.
The 28-year-old, who spent nine injury-ridden years at United, is now on the verge of agreeing his next contract. After spending the whole summer as a free agent, reports suggest that a deal to join AEK Athens on a three year deal is very close.
According to Sport24, AEK are in the “final stages” of securing Martial on the most lucrative contract in the club’s history. He is expected to sign a three-year deal, earning over €3 million annually – approximately £50,000 per week, including bonuses.
Documents are reportedly being exchanged, with Sport24 building excitement by declaring that “AEK are on the verge of dropping the biggest bomb of the summer transfer window.”
Despite his time at United being hampered by persistent injury setbacks, Martial managed 90 goals in 317 appearances for the Red Devils, winning both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup during his time at the club, as well as the Europa League.
Martial also made 70 appearances for Ligue 1 side Monaco and 12 in the Spanish La Liga during a loan spell at Sevilla. He earned 30 caps for the French national team, winning the Nations League with Didier Deschamps’ Les Blues.