Manchester United are reportedly mulling over how they can cut ties with Anthony Martial in January in order to avoid him leaving for free next summer.
According to TeamTalk, the Red Devils are adamant about recuperating a fee when Martial leaves the club and given that he’s not signed a new contract, the only time they’ll be able to do so is in the winter transfer window.
Currently, the Frenchman’s deal will expire in June 2024, with United seemingly hesitant to offer the injury-prone forward an extension.
As per TeamTalk’s report, Saudi Arabian clubs are ready to approach Martial with a lucrative offer to sway him towards the Saudi Pro League, however, at 27 years old, it remains to be seen if he would be willing to pull the curtains on his European career so soon. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon, Marseille and Inter Milan are believed to be monitoring his situation.
Martial’s United career drawing to a close
The no.9 is in his ninth season at Old Trafford, having signed on a £58 million package from Monaco on deadline day in September 2015. You’d be forgiven for believing that Martial has never really lived up to the price tag, especially taking into account that he’s only ever registered a 20-goal campaign once in a red shirt (2019/2020).
He now falls behind 20-year-old Rasmus Hojlund in the pecking order and speculation suggests that United are eyeing another striker to provide backup for the young Dane when Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his buy-in.
Realistically, last season was Martial’s most optimal opportunity to really make a statement and cement his place up front, but frequent injury setbacks led to him making just 17 starts in all competitions; 11 being in the Premier League.