Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Anthony Martial, Man Utd, Transfers, France
Jack Kenmare
Anthony Martial has come under criticism after he appeared to make a last-minute U-turn regarding his latest transfer.
Earlier this summer, the 29-year-old former Manchester United striker was deemed surplus to requirements by AEK Athens, just a year after becoming one of the highest-paid players in Greek Super League history.
He was left out of AEK's squad to face Anderlecht in the Conference League play-offs having played just 31 minutes of football in 2025/26.
After being placed on the transfer market, Mexican side Pumas expressed a strong interest in bringing the former France international to the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. In fact, multiple reports suggest they had reached a preliminary agreement with Martial and AEK Athens.
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The club were willing to pay $750,000 for his services and Martial apparently agreed to a move, but with hours remaining of the window, he changed his mind after fellow Liga MX side Monterrey made a late swoop.
Monterrey sporting president Jose Antonio Noriega said that Martial had several offers on the table. "We were informed by his agents that he had many alternatives around the world and was analysing them," he said.
"The option that most attracted them was Monterrey, and that’s why he’s here. Domènec Torrent recommended we move quickly for Anthony, and once we agreed internally, we pushed hard to close the deal.”
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Those behind the scenes at Pumas, meanwhile, are far from happy with the situation.
Eduardo Saracho, the club's sporting director, expressed frustration over the circumstances, revealing that they had already prepared a formal agreement.
"We started discussing Anthony's situation weeks ago," he told Mexican TV channel TUDN. "We entered into negotiations with his club, they allowed us to talk to AEK Athens, we had a couple of Zoom meetings and phone calls, working out a deal.
"We reached a preliminary agreement, it was a formal proposal, in writing, we were getting everything ready.
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"And then, just as you found out, there was this awkward silence. You get to this point where you have an agreement in principle, then this silence, and then 'Boom', the announcement from Monterrey came out."
Miguel Mejia Baron, a member of Pumas' recruitment team, has even claimed Martial should apologise for his actions.
"It's not the agent who decides, it's the player," Baron told TUDN. "I don't know if it is because of money - maybe he analysed other situations and had every right to make his decision."
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He added: "Maybe what he lacked was an apology."
At his official unveiling this week, Martial explained his decision to join Domenec Torrent's side.
"I know many other players playing here, so it was an easy decision for me," he said. "I wanted something new, and this was a great option for me. I'm very happy to be here."
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Martial added: "Physically, I'm feeling very good because I was training every day when I was in Athens so I already feel ready. It is difficult with the jet lag but I am ready to help the team."