A few days ago, Anthony Martial was a promising but relatively obscure striker. Before transfer deadline day he was known mostly to only Monaco and Lyon fans, as well as those who cover international football for a living.
Today, he’s the owner of the richest contract ever for a teenage footballer, the back-up to Wayne Rooney at Manchester United and a contributor to the France national team.
Anthony Martial made his senior debut for Les Bleus tonight as the French beat Portugal 1-0. The goal didn’t come from Martial, but Lyon playmaker Mathieu Valbuena on a late free kick.
Before making his debut with the senior squad, Martial established himself with the U-21 French side. His goal scoring totals in Ligue 1 were certainly not overwhelming, but United, as well as a few other big clubs, were impressed with how Martial performed with the under-21s.
That seems to be the main rationale for why United forked over £36 million for him. His deal is now the third biggest contract in club history, so a whole lot will be expected of him.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is part of the FOX Sports Engage Network. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous talk radio stations all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 the Zone.
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