Marseille have reached an agreement in principle to sign forward Mason Greenwood from Manchester United. The deal, valid until June 2029, includes a €30 million ($32.8 million) package plus a 50 per cent sell-on clause.
Marseille and United had already settled on the terms, pending Greenwood's approval. Now, the player has given his agreed personal terms, paving the way for the final steps of the transfer.
Greenwood, 22, will soon travel to France to undergo his medical and officially sign the contract.
Apart from the transfer fee, United will also receive 50 per cent of any future sale of Greenwood.
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Why has Mason Greenwood left Man Utd?
Greenwood returned to United’s training ground earlier this week to discuss his departure with the club’s football leadership.
Greenwood has not played for United since he was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January 2022. The U.K.'s Crown Prosecution Service dropped its case against him in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew their cooperation. Greenwood denied all the allegations.
Nevertheless, United announced in August 2023 that Greenwood's future would be away from the club.
After spending last season on loan with Getafe, where he scored 10 goals in 36 appearances, the striker had reportedly attracted interest from several other European clubs, including Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and Napoli.
In Marseille, Greenwood will work under head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who joined the club in June. However, his move is not without complication and it remains to be seen what reaction there will be from Marseille fans after the town's mayor was previously outspoken in opposition to the deal.
Citing the previous domestic violence allegations against Greenwood, which included photo and audio evidence posted to social media by his partner, Marseille mayor Benoit Payan has urged OM against the signing.
He told RMC Sport: "Greenwood's behaviour is unspeakable, unacceptable. Hitting his wife… I saw images that deeply shocked me. Abusing his wife in this way is unbecoming of a man and he cannot have his place on this team.
"The values of OM and Marseille are anything but that in fact. It's a shame. I don't want my club to be covered with the shame of someone who hits his wife. Olympique de Marseille is more than a club. It is a spirit, and there is no place for those who behave in this way, for those who commit this kind of crime and offence.”
However, new coach Roberto De Zerbi vowed to stand by Greenwood if he were to sign.
