Why Anthony Martial’s Monterrey move sparked calls for an apology from Pumas
Anthony Martial’s arrival in Liga MX with Monterrey was meant to be a celebratory moment for the Rayados, but instead it has stirred controversy across Mexican football.
The French forward, unveiled this month as Monterrey’s latest high-profile signing, has been asked to issue an apology to Liga MX rivals Pumas after what the Mexico City club described as a 'disrespectful' collapse of negotiations.
According to Pumas officials, Martial had already agreed in principle to join their squad from AEK Athens. They insist there were advanced talks, formal proposals, and a near-final deal on the table.
What remained, they say, was the striker’s signature. When Monterrey suddenly announced Martial as their new player, Pumas claim they were blindsided.
Miguel Mejía Barón, a senior Pumas official, went public with his frustration, saying what Martial truly owed the club was not a contract, but an apology. For him, the issue was less about legal obligations and more about professional courtesy. “It’s about respect,” he emphasized, pointing to the effort Pumas had invested in bringing the former Manchester United striker to Mexico.
The complaint centers on what Pumas describe as a 'lack of transparency'. Negotiations went silent before the deal collapsed, and the switch to Monterrey came without warning.
For a club that had already begun planning with Martial in mind, from tactical adjustments to fan expectations, the abrupt end left them embarrassed and aggrieved.
Monterrey, however, have defended their actions, arguing there was no binding agreement with Pumas. From their perspective, Martial was free to choose, and once he expressed preference for Rayados, reportedly influenced by conversations with Monterrey players, the deal was finalized quickly and correctly. Club officials maintain that nothing improper took place.
The dispute highlights the gray area in football transfers between formal contracts and informal agreements. While legally Martial was within his rights to opt for Monterrey, the unwritten norms of respect and transparency weigh heavily in a football culture that values good faith negotiations.
Whether Martial offers the apology Pumas seek remains to be seen. For now, his signing has made him the center of a rare transfer storm in Liga MX, a reminder that in football, the manner of a move can matter just as much as the destination.
