EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd attacker Anthony Martial to reject Saudi Pro League move

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 8 Apr 2024 13:34 BST
3 min read

Anthony Martial, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Antony Martial is likely to reject a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer with it believed that the Manchester United attacker will opt for a switch to Italy or France, FootballTransfers can reveal.

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The decision has surprised some at Old Trafford, who believe that Martial's passion for the game has waned over the years since joining from AS Monaco in 2015, we are told. He is thought to be liked by Inter but also not a major target for the Serie A club.

Martial joined the Red Devils for a fee that could have reached £58 million with bonuses. Although he showcased promise by scoring 17 goals in his debut season, Martial has struggled to maintain consistency and has faced increasing injury challenges as well as fallings out with coaches

His most prolific season with Man Utd was in 2019-2020 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge, where he scored 23 goals.

As Martial seeks to rejuvenate his career next season, it’s believed that he is not open to a move to the Pro League - though there is a feeling that could change if a sizeable pay packet was forthcoming.

© IMAGO - Anthony Martial will leave the club after almost ten years

When does Anthony Martial's contract end?

The Frenchman is out of contract with Man Utd in the summer and is set to bring an end to his nine-year tenure with the Premier League giants.

Ineos are looking to bring the age of the squad down and hope to overload a lot of the older players who are on big wages - with Martial being one.

Back in December, Erik ten Hag admitted that he had become aggressive with Martial during their defeat to Newcastle. Ten Hag said after the game: "It's not about Anthony Martial, it's about the team. I try to energise the team and try to get a reaction from the team in this moment. As you see, we had a tough period and when you're coaching you are a little more aggressive, so that's normal."