Striker becomes most expensive teenager ever
Manchester United Football Club have signed striker Anthony Martial from Monaco.
The France U21 international has moved to Old Trafford for a fee reported to be around £36million plus add-ons, and has put pen to paper on a four-year deal, with an option to extend it by one year.
Earlier today, the teenager reportedly completed a medical in Manchester and was due to fly back to France to join up with his national side, according to Sky sources.
Martial Career
Martial, 19, started out at Lyon, playing 21 games at youth level, netting 21 goals for the Ligue 1 side before breaking into the first team in the 2012-13 season.
He joined Monaco in the summer of 2013 for a reported fee of 5million euros plus add-ons, and has scored 13 goals in 57 games during the past two seasons.
Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal looks set to fill the void left by Javier Hernandez, who has joined Bayer Leverkusen on a three-year contract.
After arriving at United, Martial spoke to the club’s official website and revealed his delight at joining such a historic club.
Statements
Martial said: “I am so excited to be joining Manchester United. I have enjoyed my time at AS Monaco and I would like to thank them and the fans for everything they have done for me.
“I have always wanted to play in the Premier League and to join the biggest club in the world is what every young footballer dreams of. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and working with Louis van Gaal who has achieved so much in his career.”
Louis van Gaal also commented on the transfer: “Anthony is a naturally talented, young, multi-functional forward with great potential. We have been watching him for a while now and he has developed immensely during his time at AS Monaco.
“I am delighted he has joined Manchester United as I believe this is the right club for him to continue his development as a young player. He has all the attributes to become a top football player; however we need to give him time to adjust to his new environment and the rhythm of the Premier League.”
