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Manchester United have completed the £36m signing of Monaco forward Anthony Martial, making him the world’s most expensive teenage footballer.
Reports suggest the fee could rise to £58m. France Under-21 international Martial, who scored eight goals in 31 Ligue 1 games last season, signed a four-year deal with the option for a fifth year.
#mufc is pleased to announce French forward @AnthonyMartial has completed his transfer from Monaco. #WelcomeMartial pic.twitter.com/Eohl6tMOOz
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2015
The 19-year-old, who had been linked with Arsenal, becomes United’s third most expensive signing after Angel Di Maria (£59.7m) and Juan Mata (£37.1m).
He was allowed to leave the France squad on Monday for a medical with Louis van Gaal’s side, he has been given the number nine shirt, previously worn by Radamel Falcao.
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Monaco signed Martial for £4.4m two years ago from Lyon, who will receive about £7.35m as a result of a sell-on clause.
Conditions that would increase the fee include Martial winning the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s top footballer.
“I am so excited to be joining Manchester United,” said Martial. “I have always wanted to play in the Premier League and to join the biggest club in the world is what every young footballer dreams of.
“I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and working with Louis van Gaal, who has achieved so much in his career.”
Manager Van Gaal said: “Anthony is a naturally talented, young, multi-functional forward with great potential. We have been watching him for a while now and he has developed immensely during his time at Monaco.
“He has all the attributes to become a top football player; however we need to give him time to adjust to his new environment and the rhythm of the Premier League.”
Martial has already caught the eye of France boss Didier Deschamps and clearly United think he is worth the money, but it is all about potential.
He has been likened to countryman Thierry Henry, the Arsenal legend and Barcelona star who helped France win the 1998 World Cup. Like Henry, Martial can play as a striker but also on the wings.
Some United fans might have their reservations about this transfer, spending this amount of money on such a young and relatively unproven player is a risk. However, Louis Van Gaal must clearly think he is worth the money.
In France, Martial is rated very highly and seen as a future starter in the French national team. He has been courted regularly over the summer by Europe’s top teams but they were put off by the price tag.
Manchester United have started their 10 year kit deal with Adidas this season, and with their current kit sponsorship deal with Chevrolet, money wasn’t an issue for manager Louis Van Gaal when it came it transfers. In this transfer, the price didn’t put United off and they are likely to see this deal as a long-term investment in a position that needed strengthening.