Reports indicate that ANTHONY MARTIAL has been offered the most lucrative contract in AEK Athens’ history. The 28-year-old French forward, who was highly promising a decade ago, was released by Manchester United this summer and remains a free agent three months after his contract ended. Although Lille, a Ligue 1 club, has downplayed rumors of a transfer, AEK Athens has extended its most substantial offer ever to Martial.

If he accepts, he would surpass Erik Lamela, the current top earner at AEK and a former Tottenham midfielder, who earns £2.1 million annually, according to Sport24. Specific details of Martial’s potential earnings have not been disclosed yet, but the offer is noted to be unprecedented for the Greek club.

Martial and Lamela have a contentious history from their Premier League days, notably when Martial was sent off for striking Lamela during Manchester United’s 6-1 loss to Tottenham in 2020. Lamela joined AEK as a free agent from Sevilla this summer and is contracted until at least 2027.

AEK’s director, Panagiotis Kone, recently traveled to London to finalize a deal for Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana. The 21-year-old, who was signed from Molde for £10 million in January 2023, had unimpressive loan spells at Union Berlin and Burnley last season. AEK is keen to complete Fofana’s transfer before Greece’s September 11 deadline.

Martial, who started only 17 Premier League games in his last three seasons with Manchester United, has seen his £250,000-per-week wages come under scrutiny due to his limited appearances. The striker has also attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, MLS, and Mexico.

Martial joined Manchester United in 2015 for £44.5 million from Monaco, then the world’s most expensive teenager. He was expected to become one of the best players globally after making a significant impact at Monaco and winning the Golden Boy award in December 2015, an accolade previously won by players like Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney. Despite the high expectations, Martial’s tenure at United was disappointing overall, with 90 goals in 317 appearances.