Fenerbahce may struggle to finance a deal for Manchester United striker Anthony Martial this month amid claims that the Frenchman could leave the Premier League for a fresh start in Turkey.
The Turkish Super Lig is host to a wide array of former English-based frontmen who headed east in pursuit of a new lease of life, and Anthony Martial would fit in rather nicely alongside Fabio Borini, Michy Batshuayi, Batetimbi Gomis and co.
A 28-year-old with the body of a 38-year-old, a relentless series of injuries have taken their toll on the once explosive Martial, Manchester United’s number nine held together by masking tape and bluetack these days.
His contract expires in the summer. And the chances of United handing him a new one look slim, to say the least. But, with funds tight at Fenerbahce, the Super Lig giants could see their hopes go up in smoke if the Red Devils are reluctant to accept an offer reportedly in the region of £7 million for Martial.
Manchester United must get Anthony Martial out
Ali Koc, Fenerbache’s president, tells Haber Turk that club could not even stump up the £8.5 million AC Milan wanted for midfielder Rade Krunic last summer, suggesting any deal for Martial would only be possible if Man United are willing to let the long-serving Frenchman go for an almost trivial sum.
“For Krunic, he is a player that our coach (Ismail Kartal) wants very much. (But Milan) asked for abnormal amounts of money in the summer,” Koc explains.
“We couldn’t even come close to that money.”
Funds tight at Fenerbahce
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Fenerbahce agreed personal terms with Krunic over the summer. The talks collapsed, however, after Milan refused to budge on their £8.5 million valuation.
The good news for Fener fans is that the club have an excellent relationship with Manchester United these days. The Red Devils sold Fred to Fenerbahce a few months ago, after all, shortly before goalkeeper Altay Bayindir moved in the other direction.
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