Anthony Martial’s Journey: From AEK Athens to Monterrey
Last year, the arrival of French forward Anthony Martial at AEK Athens created a buzz, yet his overall impact was limited except for a brief period during which he netted nine goals in three months. Unable to fully revive his career in Greece, Martial is now set to transfer to Mexican side Monterrey, leaving behind a tenure marked by unfulfilled expectations.
AEK’s Strategic Move: Seeking a Fresh Start
Nearly a year ago, in September 2024, AEK Athens made headlines by signing Martial, who had recently parted ways with Manchester United. This acquisition was considered a “transfer coup,” bringing a player with Premier League pedigree and international experience to the Greek Super League. Martial’s signing was seen as a chance for him to reboot his career after a decline in form and fitness.
Following surgery and a lengthy recovery period that sidelined him from December 2023 until his release from Manchester United in May 2024, Martial spent the summer searching for a club to reignite his career. Despite interest from various leagues, no major European club offered a contract, leading him to accept a lucrative three-year deal with AEK. His arrival at Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos Airport was met with great enthusiasm from fans eager to witness his resurgence.
A Promising Start That Quickly Faded
Martial’s initial months at AEK showed glimpses of his high-caliber talent, particularly between November 2024 and February 2025. Operating primarily as a left winger under coach Matías Almeyda-a position where he had previously excelled at Manchester United-he scored nine goals, including decisive strikes that helped AEK advance past Aris in the Greek Cup and secure victories against PAOK and OFI. Notably, his brace in a 5-0 thrashing of Panserraikos marked the peak of his contributions.
Unfortunately, a subsequent injury sidelined him for an extended period. Although he returned to action, recurring fitness issues and inconsistent performances meant Martial struggled to regain his form. By the time he was deployed as a central striker during the playoffs following the sale of Levi Garcia, he was largely ineffective and failed to make a significant impact.
Financial Relief for AEK and a New Chapter in Mexico
After the season concluded, AEK sought to offload Martial to alleviate the financial burden of his hefty contract, which, including bonuses, amounted to approximately €3.5 million annually. Despite several inquiries during the summer transfer window, no immediate transfer materialized. Coach Marko Nikolić’s decision to marginalize Martial was evident, as the forward was often relegated to substitute appearances or omitted from matchday squads altogether.
Martial’s exclusion from AEK’s European competition roster following the signing of Luka Jović signaled the club’s intent to move on. Eventually, Monterrey emerged as a serious suitor, reaching an agreement with both AEK and Martial. This transfer not only offers the player a fresh environment to revive his career but also frees AEK from a significant financial commitment that was set to last for two more years.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Martial and AEK
Martial’s move to Monterrey represents a new chapter in his career, as he joins a Liga MX club known for its competitive spirit and passionate fanbase. This transfer highlights the growing trend of European players seeking opportunities in North American leagues to regain form and visibility. For AEK, the departure of Martial allows the club to reallocate resources and focus on building a squad better aligned with their strategic goals.
As of June 2025, the deal awaits finalization pending medical examinations, but all parties appear optimistic about the transfer’s completion. Martial’s journey underscores the challenges elite players face when attempting to rediscover their best form and the importance of finding the right fit both on and off the pitch.