Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher says he is surprised by the fee Manchester United paid to sign AS Monaco ace Anthony Martial to Old Trafford.
It is understood United coughed up £36m for the 19-year-old, but that figure could rise to as much as £58m including bonuses and add-ons.
The youngster scored 11 goals in 52 Ligue 1 appearances for Lyon and Monaco during his stint in France, leaving some to suggest the Red Devils were pushed into making a panic buy with reports Chelsea were also interested in the versatile attacker.
When asked if he was surprised by the fee United paid for Martial, Carragher told Goal: “I think so.”
“He’s the most expensive teenager in world football, so it’s a big price. He comes with a lot of potential, which is expected at that age, just getting to the French squad as well.
“With Monaco going out of the Champions League [in the play-offs] as well, it made it easier for Manchester United to get him.
“But it’s certainly a position they needed to strengthen, striker-wise, with the players that have moved on.
“He’s a young player and when you talk about potential you’re still not quite sure but for that price, he must be some player.”
Including bonuses and add-ons could become the second most expensive signing in British football history following United’s ill-fated £59.7m spend on Angel di Maria in 2014.
While Martial has drawn comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, there’s no doubt that the Red Devils are taking a major gamble.
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