Anthony Martial has reportedly been offered the most lucrative contract in AEK Athens’ century-long history. The 28-year-old French forward, once seen as a future star, was released by Manchester United this summer and remains unsigned three months after his contract expired. Despite Lille, a Ligue 1 team, downplaying any potential move, AEK Athens has stepped up with a record-breaking offer.
Should Martial join AEK, his earnings would surpass those of Erik Lamela, the club’s highest-paid player and a former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, who currently makes £2.1 million a year, according to Sport24. Although the precise figures of Martial’s offer are still under wraps, it is reported to be the biggest in the club’s history.
Martial’s potential move comes with a bit of history; he and Lamela have a fraught past dating back to their Premier League days. Martial was famously sent off for striking Lamela during Manchester United’s 6-1 defeat to Tottenham in 2020, a match that left a lasting impression on both players.
Meanwhile, AEK’s director Panagiotis Kone has been in London recently to finalize a transfer for Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana. The 21-year-old, who joined Chelsea for £10 million from Molde in January 2023, had less than stellar loan spells at Union Berlin and Burnley. AEK is eager to complete this deal before Greece’s transfer deadline on September 11.
Martial’s recent performance has led to questions about his £250,000-per-week wages, given his limited appearances—just 17 Premier League starts in his last three seasons with United. His next destination could be influenced by interest from Saudi Arabia, MLS, and Mexico.
Having joined Manchester United in 2015 for £44.5 million from Monaco as the world’s most expensive teenager, Martial was once hailed as a future superstar. After making waves with his impressive early performances and winning the Golden Boy award in 2015—a title previously held by luminaries like Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney—Martial’s career at United has been somewhat disappointing, with 90 goals in 317 appearances.