Sevilla confirm Martial transfer - Second most valuable winter signing

Sevilla officially confirmed the loan signing of France international Anthony Martial from Manchester United on Wednesday night. The 26-year-old joins the Nervionenses with immediate effect until the end of the season. After the signing of Tecatito Corona from Porto, Martial is the second attack-minded addition for the Spanish first division club in the current transfer window.

Martial’s contract in Manchester still runs until 2024. Since his move from AS Monaco to the Red Devils in 2015 (transfer fee: €60 million), the right-footed forward was directly involved in 129 goals in 269 matches for the Premier League club. In the current season, however, he has been immaterial in Ralf Rangnick’s plans and has only played eight league games in total. At the end of last year, Martial had already expressed his desire to leave to the club.

According to The Athletic on Tuesday, Sevilla initially wanted to pay only half of Martial’s United salary - the 26-year-old earns £240,000 a week in England (the equivalent of about €286,000). Man United had turned down the approach. After a second round of negotiations no loan fee is due, while Martial’s salary will now be paid in full after all.

With a market value of €32 million, Martial joins the Andalusians as one of the five most valuable players in the squad. He is also the second most valuable LaLiga signing this month behind Ferran Torres, who moved from Man City to FC Barcelona for a transfer fee of €55 million.