Martial unveiled at Monterrey after snubbed rival club's conduct sparks wage-talk questions

Anthony Martial was unveiled by Monterrey on Friday, bringing an end to a transfer saga that divided Liga MX's top rivals. The French forward, 29, will join the club after a period of public negotiations, and Monterrey said he could make his debut as soon as Saturday, depending on paperwork and fitness.

Pumas had claimed they had reached an agreement in principle with AEK Athens to sign Martial and were preparing to fly him to Mexico City to finalize the deal. They later said contact with Martial and his representatives had ceased, and they learned he had instead opted to join Monterrey. Miguel Mejia Baron, a member of Pumas' recruitment team, told TUDN that Martial should consider apologizing. 'It's not the agent who decides, it's the player,' Baron said. 'I don't know if it is because of money — maybe he analysed other situations and had every right to make his decision. Maybe what he lacked was an apology.' The episode fed into a narrative that wage talks may have been a determining factor.

Martial joined Manchester United in 2015 for a fee that rose to £58 million and established himself as a key attacking option during a turbulent era for the club. He left United at the end of the 2023-24 season and joined AEK Athens on a free transfer. At Athens, he made 24 appearances in all competitions but was not a regular starter and was left out of six successive matchday squads.

At Monterrey's unveiling, Martial spoke of seeking a new challenge. 'I know many other players playing here, so it was an easy decision for me,' he said. 'I wanted something new, and this was a great option for me. I'm very happy to be here. Physically, I'm feeling very good because I was training every day when I was in Athens, so I already feel ready. It is difficult with the jet lag, but I am ready to help the team.'

Monterrey currently lead Liga MX, having won seven of eight matches with one defeat. The signing adds a veteran European profile to a squad already built around international talent, including Sergio Ramos, who joined Monterrey seven months ago and has become a fixture in the team's defense. The move underscores the league's growing reach and willingness to recruit players from Europe as it expands its domestic and continental ambitions.

While the move was framed as a fresh start for Martial, wage-talk controversy lingered in the backdrop. Reports linked high salary demands to the decision, though neither club has publicly disclosed terms. Pumas officials have said they will review the episode and consider lessons for future negotiations as the transfer window closes. Martial's camp has not commented beyond the remarks from the unveiling, and Monterrey has not disclosed terms publicly.

As Martial settles in, Monterrey will monitor his adaptation and potential debut ahead of a dense fixture schedule in the weeks ahead. The club's pursuit of European experience, combined with its domestic form, positions it to challenge for both Liga MX glory and future continental opportunities.

Martial's arrival marks another bold move by Monterrey as Liga MX's profile grows and the league continues to attract high-profile players from Europe.