Transfers

Anthony Martial ‘Agrees Shock Transfer, Biggest Contract In Club’s History’

Former Manchester United outcast, Anthony Martial has agreed a record-breaking contract with a European club, according to reports.

The striker has been a free agent since leaving Manchester United in summer, upon the expiry of his contract, after a nine-year stint at Old Trafford.

He has been linked with numerous clubs – including Flamengo in Brazil – but is reportedly on the verge of signing a deal with a European side.

SPORT24 report that he is exchanging final documents with Greek giants AEK Athens for a three-year contract, while Relevo report he has verbally agreed a move.

Martial is in line to earn £2.5million per season with AEK and the deal would have been announced on Monday night if not for a delay, as per SPORT24.

That deal, amounting to £7.5m in total including bonuses, would be the most lucrative in AEK’s history.

The three-year guarantee will have been persuasive as Martial’s talks with Flamengo reportedly broke down due to his insistence on that contract length.

Martial has been keeping himself fit over the summer, posting a photo of himself on an exercise bike, holidaying with his family, and going on a pilgrimage to Lourdes in France, writing on Instagram: ‘Thank you Lord for everything.’

It had also been reported that clubs such as Lille, Atalanta, Marseille, Besiktas were interested in the 28-year-old.

Should he join AEK, Martial would link up with ex-Tottenham star Erik Lamela, Watford throwbacks Roberto Pereyra and Nordin Amrabat, and former Brentford goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.

Lamela is reportedly the club’s top earner currently on a deal worth a reported €2million (£1.7million) per year.

AEK were also in line to loan in David Datro Fofana from Chelsea but that collapsed and he has since joined Turkish side Goztepe for the season.

Despite AEK busting the bank, Martial would be taking a sizeable pay cut from his terms at Manchester United, having been on £250,000 per week.

The Greek side had been hoping to announce the transfer during their 2-0 win over Volos on Monday night but some details still need to be ironed out.

Martial will look forward to a competitive season with AEK after they finished just two points off title winners PAOK last campaign.

However, there will be no European football to whet his appetite after they were dumped out of the third qualifying round for the Europa Conference League by Armenian side Noah in August.

DailyMail

Transfers

Aston Villa among clubs eyeing Marcus Rashford as Transfer deadline looms

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United’s out-of-favour striker Marcus Rashford, who has not featured for the Red Devils since being dropped for the Manchester derby on December 12.

United head coach Ruben Amorim recently expressed his desire to reintegrate Rashford but emphasized that the player had failed to meet the standards required of his squad.

“I feel the side would be better with Rashford in it,” Amorim said, “but the player has not met the standards I demand.”

Rashford’s representatives have been in discussions with several top European clubs to assess interest. With the transfer window closing on Monday at 23:00 GMT, Rashford’s future remains uncertain, though a loan move appears to be the most likely outcome.

Villa, keen to strengthen their attack for Champions League football in March, are reportedly among the clubs interested. However, there is no confirmation of formal contact with United, nor clarity on whether Rashford would be open to the move.

Barcelona, believed to be Rashford’s preferred destination, also remain a contender despite ongoing financial uncertainties.

A major factor complicating any potential deal is Rashford’s salary, which exceeds £300,000 per week. United are hesitant to subsidize wages in any transfer, either loan or permanent, as they continue efforts to cut costs.

Transfers

Jhon Duran joins Al-Nassr from Aston Villa in £71m deal

Striker Jhon Duran has completed a move from Aston Villa to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in a deal that could rise to £71 million.

The Colombian forward will link up with new teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane in Riyadh.

“Aston Villa can confirm that Jhon Duran has joined Al Nassr,” the club stated. “Everyone at Aston Villa would like to wish Jhon all the best in the next step of his professional career.”

Duran was an unused substitute in Villa’s 4-2 win over Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday, a result that secured their spot in the competition’s last 16.

The 20-year-old had joined Villa from Chicago Fire for £18 million in January 2023 but has been linked with a move away since last summer, with West Ham reportedly showing long-term interest.

Duran scored 12 goals in 29 games for Villa this season, totaling 20 goals in 78 appearances, though only seven of those were in league starts.

With Duran’s departure, Ollie Watkins is now Villa’s sole main striker. Watkins, however, has been the subject of recent interest from Arsenal, though Villa have made it clear they have no intention of letting him go.

Villa boss Unai Emery addressed the situation, stating on Wednesday: “I don’t want [to sell]. It is good news to have offers from other clubs. We want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad. Every player can be in the market if it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker.”

Aston Villa also signed forward Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund during the window, though he is primarily seen as a replacement for Moussa Diaby, who joined Al-Ittihad in the summer.

Transfers

Valencia sign Nigerian forward Motunrayo Ezekiel on one-year deal

Spanish Liga F side Valencia has officially announced the signing of Nigerian forward Motunrayo Ezekiel from Naija Ratels in the Nigeria Women’s Premier League.

The 21-year-old striker, who has previously played for Rivers Angels and Lakeside Queens, penned a one-year contract with the club.

Ezekiel was a key member of Nigeria’s women’s football team that won silver at the 2023 All Africa Games in Accra, Ghana.

Her move adds to the growing list of Nigerian players making waves in the Spanish Women’s League.

Valencia currently sits at the bottom of the league table with six points, and the club hopes Ezekiel’s arrival will bolster their attacking options.