Former Man Utd star, 30, could be set for shock move to RUSSIA after turning down incredible contract worth £13million

ANTHONY MARTIAL could be set for a shock move to Russia after turning down a staggering £13million package to continue his career in Libya. The former Manchester United forward is a free agent and is expected to decide his next club next week, according to L’Equipe. Former Manchester United star Anthony Martial could be heading to Russia Credit: PA The Frenchman left Man Utd in 2024 Credit: Getty And despite interest from a host of clubs across Europe, Martial is not expected to return to Ligue 1. The 30-year-old has been offered to several French clubs this summer, with former France international Laurent Koscielny confirming that Martial was presented as an option to Lorient. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! But the Breton club rejected the opportunity, while the only French side to actually submit an offer was AJ Auxerre, managed by former England Under-21 boss Will Still. No deal was reached there either, leaving Martial with a growing list of alternatives as he searches for his next move. L’Équipe reports that Spanish clubs Malaga and another unnamed side are in talks, while Russian giants CSKA Moscow and Krasnodar are also in contact and looking to tempt the former Red Devil to Russia. Malaga have emerged as a particularly interesting option, with Foot Mercato reporting that the newly-promoted Spanish side are closing in on Martial as they look to add experience to their squad. But Martial’s decision to reject a huge offer from Libya suggests the Frenchman is still prioritising a return to the European spotlight. Reports have claimed Libyan side Al-Ittihad Tripoli offered Martial a package worth around £12.9million over two years, including a £8.6million net salary and a jaw-dropping £4.3million signing-on bonus. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Had he accepted, Martial could have pocketed the eye-watering sum through to autumn 2028. Al-Ittihad have been making headlines in the transfer market after landing 32-year-old Moroccan winger Sofiane Boufal, and they were reportedly keen to make Martial their next major capture. But his rejection appears to suggest that the former United star wants to revive his career rather than cash in on a lucrative final chapter outside Europe. And Malaga could offer exactly that opportunity. Martial scored 90 goals for Manchester United but he never really established himself as the main man Credit: Getty Top football travel deals The Spanish club returned to LaLiga after finishing fourth in the 2025-26 Segunda Division campaign before beating Las Palmas and Almeria in the play-offs. Martial would therefore have the chance to prove himself once again in one of Europe’s major leagues. Martial spent nine years at Old Trafford after joining United from Monaco in 2015 for a deal worth around £50million, making him the world’s most expensive teenager at the time. He went on to score 90 goals in 317 appearances for the Red Devils before later spells with AEK Athens and Mexican side Monterrey. Martial has not played a competitive match since March, but his free- agent status means he can still sign for a new club outside the transfer window. Comment now