Anthony Martial linked with Pumas move as wage demands stall talks

Former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has been targeted by Mexican club Pumas, but negotiations have been stalled by the player's reported wage demands, according to media reports.

Journalist César Luis Merlo reported that AEK Athens is prepared to loan Martial to Pumas on a deal in which the Greek club would impose no loan fee and the Mexican side would only cover the player's salary. Merlo said the two clubs have discussed terms but that Martial and his representatives have so far refused to reduce the forward's earnings, complicating a move ahead of Pumas' transfer deadline on Friday.

Merlo, speaking on his YouTube channel, said talks had taken place over three to four days but that progress remained limited because "the player still hasn't given in to his demands" and that "the player doesn't want to budge even a euro." He added that while he did not rule out a move entirely, he did not expect an easy resolution if Martial's position remained unchanged.

Martial, 29, signed for AEK Athens on a free transfer in September 2024 after his contract with Manchester United ended at the close of the 2023-24 season. The French forward made 23 appearances in all competitions for AEK last season, scoring nine goals and providing two assists as the club finished fourth in the Greek Super League and qualified for European competition.

AEK have left Martial out of their matchday squad in recent weeks, with reports stating he has been omitted for the club's last six matches. The reported willingness of AEK to send him on loan without a fee reflects an apparent desire by the Greek club to move the player on, subject to an agreement over wages.

Pumas have been linked to other attacking targets this window, including San Jose Earthquakes forward Chicho Arango, but media coverage has suggested Martial is currently the more prominent option. If the transfer were to be completed, Martial would join several former European stars at Pumas, including ex-Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and former Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

Pumas sit fourth in their regular-phase table after 17 matches in the current Liga MX campaign. The club faces a domestic deadline on Friday to finalise incoming registrations, which has increased the urgency of talks.

Martial first moved to Manchester United in 2015 for an initial reported fee of £36 million, a figure that could rise to around £58 million with add-ons. His time at United included spells of strong form interspersed with injuries and periods out of favour; he left the club when his contract expired at the end of the 2023-24 season before joining AEK.

As of Thursday, neither Martial nor his agent had publicly confirmed any change to the player's salary demands, and Pumas had not announced any agreement. Any final decision on a move before the Liga MX deadline will depend on whether the player is willing to adjust his wage expectations or if an alternative structure can be agreed between all parties.