Anthony Martial could be set for another move, with Liga MX side Pumas pushing to land the French striker before Friday’s transfer deadline. The deal is hanging in the balance though, with his wage demands proving a major obstacle.
The former Manchester United forward left Old Trafford last summer after nine years, later joining AEK Athens on a free transfer. His contract was the biggest in the Greek club’s history, but he has since fallen out of favour and hasn’t featured in their last six games.
AEK are open to loaning Martial to Pumas without a fee, leaving the Mexican club only responsible for his salary. Journalist Cesar Luis Merlo said talks have been ongoing for days but Martial “hasn’t budged even a euro.” Unless the 29-year-old softens his stance, the move is unlikely to happen.
If a deal is struck, Martial would join a squad that already features former Premier League rival Aaron Ramsey and veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Pumas sit fourth in Liga MX after 17 matches.
Onana’s Troubled Spell at United Comes to an End
While Martial weighs his next move, Manchester United are also undergoing big changes. Goalkeeper Andre Onana is on his way out after a difficult two-year stint at Old Trafford.
The Cameroon international is set to join Turkish club Trabzonspor on loan following a string of high-profile errors and a breakdown in his relationship with manager Ruben Amorim. The tipping point came with a disastrous display in United’s shock defeat at Grimsby Town, which left the 29-year-old despondent and out of favour.
Onana’s exit is seen as a positive by Amorim, who is eager to reset his squad after a season that saw United finish a dismal 15th in the Premier League and lose the Europa League final to Tottenham.
United’s Goalkeeping Shake-Up
United have moved quickly to secure a replacement, signing 23-year-old Belgian keeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on Deadline Day. Amorim may hand him an immediate debut in Sunday’s Manchester derby, with current No 1 Altay Bayindir struggling for form.
City, meanwhile, will be without Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden for the clash, though Pep Guardiola has added Gianluigi Donnarumma to his ranks in a £26m deal.
Two Careers at a Crossroads
Martial faces a career-defining decision over whether to accept reduced wages for regular football in Mexico, while Onana departs England after a bruising chapter that damaged his reputation. Both moves underline how quickly fortunes can change for players once considered long-term fixtures at Old Trafford.