Anthony Martial set for surprising move to Málaga CF

Anthony Martial is closing in on a surprise move to Málaga CF, with the La Liga strugglers reportedly on the verge of landing the free agent, according to Foot Mercato.

The 30-year-old forward, without a club since cutting ties with CF Monterrey, has been scouring the market for a project capable of relaunching a career that once lit up Old Trafford. Spain now looks set to be his next stage, with Málaga sitting 18th in La Liga and badly in need of a spark in attack.

Martial has already turned down two approaches from Ligue 1 sides, a clear sign that he is choosing his next step carefully rather than grabbing the first familiar option that comes along.

The chase for his signature has not been confined to Europe. Libyan club Al-Ittihad Tripoli, fresh from signing Moroccan winger Sofiane Boufal, made an aggressive push to lure the Frenchman. The offer was huge: a net salary of 10 million euros over two years and a 5 million euro signing bonus on top.

For many players, that kind of money ends the conversation. Martial walked away from it.

He is reported to have rejected the Libyan proposal in favour of what he views as a genuine sporting project, even if it means less financial comfort. If the deal with Málaga is completed, it will be a move that says as much about his priorities as it does about his ambition to prove there is still a top-level forward in there, waiting to be unlocked on Spanish soil.