It is that time of the year again, and teams are concluding plans for the winter transfer window. Teams usually try to plug the holes and shortcomings of their team. Attaching figures to players is the occasional snag.
It is a well-known secret that clubs rarely get the cream of the crop in January, as clubs rarely let their best go midway into the season. Clubs will only part with players who are either surplus to requirements, not getting enough game time or simply not part of the plan.
Loan moves are more prevalent this period, and many top clubs usually let go of their fringe players. Sevilla is looking to fortify their attack, but funds are a headache for the Andalusians. The move for Anthony Martial has come off the rails, with Manchester United pulling out of the deal.
Manchester United pull the plug on the Martial deal
Sevilla are looking to bolster their attack in January and have eyes for Manchester United striker Anthony Martial. It seems the deal will not happen as Manchester United are not impressed with the offer on the table.
As per Marca, Sevilla made a loan offer to the Red Devils for Martial, but United think the bid is inadequate. Sevilla are not ready to go the whole hog by paying Martial’s full salary for the loan period. The offer does not sit well with Manchester United, and they have rejected it.
Sevilla were interested in taking Martial on loan till the end of the season but baulked at paying the Frenchman’s salary. Martial earns around eight million euros net per season, but Sevilla is willing to pay only half. Manchester United prefer to shift Martial’s wages out and insist Sevilla cover his salary. The Red Devils also want a small fee paid for the loan.
Sevilla’s argument
When Sevilla approached Barcelona for Luuk de Jong, the sportingctor Monchi included a fee for the loan. The offer also carried an option to buy, but with Anthony Martial, it was not part of the offer.
Sevilla argue that Martial has hardly played this term, and if he posts some good performances during the remainder of the La Liga Santander season, it will boost his value. The Andalusians conclude by insisting that Martial is a risk as he has a contract that runs till 2024, and it would be better for United if they accepted the offer. Manchester United aren’t buying the story and have rejected the offer.
Julen Lopetegui expects some reinforcements from his squad. Sevilla have to decide if the Martial pursuit is worthwhile or drop it and look in anotherction. Regardless, the Frenchman will clearly attract interest from a host of clubs in January, with Juventus also interested in the 26-year-old.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
