Expected by a swarm of journalists, Martial left the airport of the Andalusian city around 3:00 p.m. GMT, noted an AFP photographer.

He then had to pass the usual medical examination before, except surprise, that his loan could be officially announced by the second in the Spanish championship, where Martial hopes to revive in order to clear a path for the World Cup-2022 at the end of year.

Manchester United's French striker Anthony Martial on January 25, 2022 upon his arrival at Seville airport, where he should be loaned for six months to the Sevilla FC club CRISTINA QUICLER AFP

The departure of the Frenchman from Manchester United during the winter transfer window was no longer in doubt after the exchange of arms, ten days ago, between the striker and the coach of the "Red Devils" Ralf Rangnick.

The German technician accused the player of refusing to be in the group for the Premier League match at Aston Villa (2-2), which the person strongly denied on social networks.

If the two have since reconciled, this imbroglio illustrates the bad season of Martial (26), who has scored only one goal in just eleven games in all competitions.

The joy of Manchester United's French striker, Anthony Martial, after opening the scoring against Everton goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, during the 7th day of the Premier League, October 2, 2021 at the Old Trafford Stadium Oli SCARFF AFP/Archives

In a disappointing team, which has already said goodbye to the title, the French suffered the return last summer of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who relegated him to the bench.

In selection, he is barred by Karim Benzema, author of a resounding return last May.

If Martial scored in Ukraine in September (1-1) in a match counting for the qualifications for the World Cup, it was the Madrilenian who shone by winning the League of Nations in October, under the eyes of the Mancunian, confined to the bench.

France team striker Anthony Martial opens the scoring against Ukrainian goalkeeper Andrey Pyatov during qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on September 7, 2021 at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev FRANCK FIFE AFP / Archives

In November, during the last rally of 2021, his lack of playing time deprived him of a call-up by Didier Deschamps, coach adept at the irremovable attacking trio composed of "KB9", Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé.

In the race for La Liga and the Europa League

It is therefore for a substitute place that Martial applies to the Blues, against Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembélé, even Wissam Ben Yedder, Marcus Thuram, Moussa Diaby and Olivier Giroud.

But without more club playing time by the fall, the World Cup in Qatar (November 21-December 18) risks being played without him.

Not seeing the World Cup would be a bitter new pill to swallow for the one who was not retained in the world champion group in 2018, when he started his international career in 2015 and played the Euro -2016 (30 selections in all, two goals).

"He is someone who has incredible potential, but who does not always show it with regularity. He is capable of doing very well, and also of doing much less well", said coach Didier Deschamps of him in November. 2018.

France team striker Anthony Martial, scorer against Ukraine, is congratulated by coach Didier Deschamps, before his replacement, during the qualifying match for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, September 7, 2021 at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev FRANCK FIFE AFP/Archives

If he is on loan to Sevilla FC, the next six months promise to be exciting for Martial, an attacking profile that the Andalusian club lacked, the best defense in La Liga but not efficient enough in front of goal.

The Sevillians are only four points behind the leader, Real Madrid, of which they are the main rival for the title, Atlético and FC Barcelona seem too far.

The teammates of Jules Koundé, another French international, and Ivan Rakitic are also well placed to win the Europa League, their favorite competition which they have won four times in the last eight years, and whose next final, in May, is scheduled in their Ramon-Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium.

© 2022 AFP