England forward George Martin to QUIT Leicester for Prem rivals

Thursday, 16 October 2025 at 21:58

bySteven Smith

Telegraph Senior Rugby Writer Charlie Morgan has revealed that George Martin, the Leicester Tigers and England powerhouse lock, has emerged as a key target for Sale Sharks as Alex Sanderson continues his bold recruitment push ahead of next season.

TRANSFER TALK: Sale eye England star

Martin’s contract with his boyhood club Leicester Tigers expires at the end of June 2026, and it’s understood that Sale have held early discussions with the 23-year-old over a potential move ahead of the 2026/27 Premiership campaign.

Sources close to the player are said to be “optimistic that the injured Martin has turned a corner with his rehabilitation”and believe he could return to full fitness in due course.

While Leicester have opened talks to keep him in the East Midlands, Sale’s growing interest reflects their intent to strengthen an already formidable pack.

PROFILE: George Martin – England’s enforcer

Standing at 6ft 6in and weighing over 115kg, George Martin has quickly become one of England’s most highly regarded young forwards.

Born in Leicester, he joined the Tigers academy at 15 and made his Premiership debut in 2019, instantly catching the eye for his bruising defence and relentless physicality.

Martin earned his England debut in 2021 under Eddie Jones and was one of Steve Borthwick’s standout performersat the 2023 Rugby World Cup, particularly in the semi-final against South Africa.
His mix of raw power, mobility, and work rate has drawn comparisons to legends of the modern game — making him a prized asset on the transfer market.

BIG MONEY: Sale’s financial firepower

The Sharks, who recently re-signed George Ford on a new three-year deal, have enjoyed four straight top-four Premiership finishes under Sanderson and are determined to take the next step.

Owner Simon Orange received a £1 billion windfall following the sale of a majority stake in his company CorpAcq to TDR Capital in January 2024 — instantly placing him among the richest owners in world rugby.

THE FUTURE: Stadium and training base overhaul

As reported by the Mail Online’s Rugby Confidential, Orange and his wife Michelle plan to reinvest heavily in the club, including major upgrades to both the Salford Community Stadium and Carrington training complex.

“Michelle is leading it, working on the stadium and the training ground, trying to move things forward,” Orange told Rugby Confidential
.
“It’ll take a couple of years to sort agreements and planning, then another couple to build. It’s not a short-term project.”

While the Premiership salary cap keeps spending in check, this investment ensures Sale’s long-term stability and strengthens their ambitions to compete for domestic and European honours.

“Sale’s future was already secure, but this makes it doubly so,” Orange added.
“Hopefully, it can help us get to the top of the game and stay there for years to come.”