AEK Reaches Definitive Transfer Agreement with Monterrey for Anthony Martial
By Giorgos Tsakiris and Dimitris Vergos
Monterrey Secures Signing of French Forward Anthony Martial
According to journalist César Luis Merlo, AEK Athens and Mexican club Monterrey have finalized a transfer deal for the 30-year-old striker Anthony Martial. This confirmation aligns with an earlier exclusive report by Gazzetta, which first revealed Monterrey’s serious interest in acquiring the French attacker.
Details of the Transfer and Contractual Implications
The negotiations between AEK and Monterrey centered on a permanent transfer, with both parties now having reached an agreement. Merlo highlights that Monterrey outpaced rival Mexican club Pumas, who had also expressed interest in Martial, to secure the player’s signature.
Monterrey is set to offer Martial a lucrative contract, which will relieve AEK of the hefty €3.5 million annual salary that Martial had agreed upon last year when signing a deal extending through the summer of 2027. This financial reprieve is significant for AEK’s budget management moving forward.
Next Steps and Player’s Recent Performance
The finalization of administrative procedures remains before Martial officially joins Monterrey’s squad. Last season, Martial featured in 23 matches across league and cup competitions for AEK, netting nine goals and providing two assists. However, his involvement this season has been limited to a single substitute appearance during the Conference League qualifiers against Hapoel Beer Sheva, after which he was excluded from the European competition roster.
Contextualizing the Move: A New Chapter in Martial’s Career
Anthony Martial, who previously played for Manchester United, embarks on a fresh challenge in Liga MX, joining Monterrey-a club known for its competitive stature in Mexican football. This transfer reflects a growing trend of European players moving to North American leagues, attracted by competitive contracts and the opportunity to make a significant impact.
🚨Rayados acordó la compra de Antonhy Martial y dejó a Pumas fuera de competencia.
*️⃣El Monterrey arregló con el AEK el traspaso y le paga un importante contrato al delantero francés, con pasado en Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/Ioy8UToZQ3