Anthony Martial set to join Málaga CF over Libyan offer

Anthony Martial is closing in on a move to Málaga CF, with the former Manchester United forward reportedly ready to restart his career in Spain despite a colossal offer from Libya.

According to Foot Mercato, the 30-year-old is in advanced talks with Málaga, who sit 18th in La Liga and are fighting to drag themselves clear of trouble. A free agent since his contract with CF Monterrey was terminated, Martial has been searching for a project that can relaunch a career that once promised to put him among Europe’s elite.

Spain now looks like his next stage.

Martial has already rejected two approaches from Ligue 1 clubs, turning his back on a return to France. The pull of Málaga’s project, and the chance to re-establish himself in one of Europe’s top leagues, appears to have outweighed the comfort of familiar surroundings.

The Frenchman has not been short of interest outside Europe either. Libyan side Al-Ittihad Tripoli, fresh from signing Moroccan winger Sofiane Boufal (32), pushed hard to lure Martial with a staggering financial package.

Their proposal was eye-watering: a net salary of €10 million over two years, plus a €5 million signing-on bonus. For a 30-year-old free agent, it was the kind of offer that can end a debate in a single phone call.

Martial said no.

He is reported to have turned down the deal, opting instead to prioritise what he sees as a genuine sporting project over a final huge payday. If he completes his move, he will walk into a Málaga side in need of goals, personality, and a spark.

For Martial, this is not just another contract. It looks like a bet on himself.