Anthony Martial in advanced talks over return to Europe after rejecting 'crazy proposal'

Anthony Martial is reportedly closing in on a move to LaLiga side Malaga after turning down a 'crazy proposal' from another club in an attempt to revive his career.

Martial became a free agent in June after his contract at Mexican side Monterrey was terminated by mutual consent.

The French forward scored just once in 20 appearances for the club after joining in June 2025 following a campaign in Greece with AEK Athens, where he found the net nine times in 24 appearances.

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Anthony Martial in advanced talks with Malaga

Martial was once one of the most talented Premier League strikers at Manchester United, but the 30-year-old is now looking to rebuild his career after a difficult few years.

Across the summer, the former France international 'turned down firm offers' from two Ligue 1 clubs - according to Foot Mercato - because there were no significant guarantees of regular playing time.

Everton were even offered the chance to sign Martial after failing to sign a striker before the window shut, though they were always unlikely to take that gamble, and it appears LaLiga side Malaga are willing to take a chance on the fleet-footed forward.

Foot Mercato revealed that he is in 'advanced talks' over a return to LaLiga, after previously joining Sevilla on loan during the 2021/22 campaign, with the report adding that he could sign for the Spanish side in the 'coming days'.

Remarkably, the French outlet even claimed that Libyan side Al-Ittihad Tripoli offered Martial a 'crazy proposal', which included a net salary of €10million (£8.6m) over two years with a jaw-dropping €5million (£4.3m) signing-on bonus.

Martial rejected the opportunity to earn a whopping £12.9m until the autumn of 2028, in a clear indication that he's prioritising a genuine project where he can showcase his talents in Europe - instead of moving to a club for purely financial gain.

Malaga are currently 18th in LaLiga following promotion last term, drawing three and losing two of their opening five matches. The potential addition of the former Man United superstar could be a master stroke that helps them avoid relegation or fail.

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How Anthony Martial can revive his career

At various points during his Man United career, Martial was unplayable with his blistering pace, clever movement and elite-level finishing.

The 2019/20 campaign was by far his most impressive at Old Trafford, producing 17 goals in 32 top-flight appearances, while his four goals in the Europa League helped United reach the semi-finals.

Martial has looked like a shadow of that player for a long time now, but at the age of 30, he still has at least a few more years to become a prominent star in Europe.

That could begin with a move to Malaga, where he would likely be a guaranteed starter for a side battling relegation, though he would still need to prove himself after failing to deliver in Mexico.

A switch to LaLiga would arguably suit Martial's attributes perfectly, as attackers have more time and space in the final third to make decisions, and he could use his pace to trouble opposition defences.

For the Frenchman, proving he still has the mentality to compete in one of Europe's top five leagues is equally as important as demonstrating his talent, with many Man United fans hoping he can return to his best.