Manchester United signed Paul Pogba for a world record transfer fee this summer but they started making a big statement in the transfer market some time ago. The Red Devils signed French youngster Anthony Martial in the summer and the then 19-year-old became the most expensive teenager in the world in the process. He cost the Old Trafford club an initial £36 million, but with a further £8m arriving once he reaches 25 goals for them and that same amount once he earns 25 caps for Les Bleus, United’s outlay is likely to be at least £52m before the end of next season.
Despite all his talent, Martial is struggling to make an impact at the club under Mourinho. His first season at Old Trafford was quite impressive, having notched up 19 goals and 14 assists but he’s been rather subdued this season.
He has scored 4 goals and set up 3 assists from 15 games this season but is looking below par. ESPN claim that Barcelona are monitoring the situation of the highly-rated Frenchman and could make a £60m move for him despite his struggles. A bit strange indeed.
When clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid are hot on a player’s tail, it is really hard to say no. Martial remains a quality player regardless of his recent poor form and he is just 21 years of age now. His future is bright if he can keep up his development but the big question is, will he get that opportunity at Barcelona?
At Barcelona, Martial will be nothing but in the shadows of their famed triumvirate Messi, Suarez and Neymar. From the transfer activity of Barcelona last summer, it was quite clear that they are looking to add depth to their squad and bought quality players like Andre Gomes, Denis Suarez, Paco Alcacer, Lucas Digne but all are languishing on the bench. Martial’s fate could be the same at Camp Nou.
We understand the fact that saying no to Barcelona is not the easiest thing in the world but Martial has to do it in order to grow as a player. Manchester United fans love the French international and it would be sensible if he stays put at the club rather than being tempted away. Good or bad form is part of every individual’s career and it would be wrong to be gutted with that.
Martial is still young and has plenty to learn from Mourinho and senior players like Ibrahimović and Rooney at the club. A move to Barcelona at this point in his career could turn out to stagnate his career.
