Former Manchester United forward set to stay in Europe

Anthony Martial is on the verge of signing a record-breaking contract with Greek giants AEK Athens, according to reports by Sport24. The French striker, who left Manchester United this summer after nine years at the club, has been linked with several clubs but appears to have chosen AEK as his next destination.

Martial has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal worth £2.5 million per season, with the total package set to reach £7.5 million, making it the most lucrative in AEK’s history. Greek publication SPORT24 claims the club had planned to announce the deal during their 2-0 win over Volos but were delayed due to some final details.

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The 28-year-old had been in talks with Brazilian side Flamengo as well, but those discussions fell through due to his insistence on a three-year contract which the Brazilian outfit found unworking. AEK’s offer met Martial’s demand, giving him long-term security. The deal would also see Martial take a significant pay cut from his Manchester United days, where he earned around £250,000 per week.

Once signed, Martial will join a squad that includes former Tottenham Hotspur winger Erik Lamela, ex-Watford player Roberto Pereyra, and former Brentford goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha. Martial will be AEK's top earner, surpassing Lamela's reported €2 million (£1.7 million) per year.

Despite missing out on European football this season after being knocked out of the Europa Conference League qualifiers by Armenian side Noah, AEK Athens finished just two points behind PAOK in last season’s Super League, and Martial will hope to boost their title ambitions.

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