Revealed: Manchester United ‘inserted buy-back clause into Mason Greenwood’s £30m move to Marseille’… despite club’s insistence that there is ‘no intention’ of forward moving back to Old Trafford in the future
- Mason Greenwood completes £30million move from Man United to Marseille
- Greenwood left Old Trafford two and a half years after his last appearance
- United are reported to have included a buy-back clause in the transfer deal
Manchester United are reportedly set to include a buy-back clause in Mason Greenwood’s transfer to Marseille.
Greenwood, 22, completed a £30million move to the Ligue 1 club last week, ending the highly controversial striker’s lengthy saga at Old Trafford.
Greenwood was loaned to Getafe by United last September after an internal investigation determined by mutual agreement that he would no longer play a role at the club.
This came after criminal charges against him of attempted rape, assault and coercive control were dropped. The 22-year-old denied all allegations.
Greenwood’s move to Spain was widely criticised, but he received strong support from Getafe and its fans, excelling on the pitch, scoring 10 goals in 36 games for the LaLiga club.
Man United have reportedly included a buy-back clause in Mason Greenwood’s transfer to Marseille
Greenwood completed a £30million move from Old Trafford to the Ligue 1 club last week
United claim there is ‘no intention’ of the striker ever returning to Old Trafford in the future
This led to significant interest in the attacker this summer, before he eventually left for Marseille, who are coached by former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.
And according to The TelegraphUnited have included a buy-back clause in their £30million deal with the French club.
While this is routine in transfers today, its use in Greenwood’s case is highly controversial given his reputation.
However, the report also claims that United have indicated that there is no expectation or intention of the 22-year-old ever returning to Old Trafford, meaning the likelihood of the clause ever being triggered is considered extremely remote.
Meanwhile, it is also believed that United originally hoped to get around £40million back for Greenwood, but ultimately settled for less.
The Telegraph further reports that in exchange for a slightly lower fee, coupled with the buy-back option, United have included a sell-on clause which entitles United to 50 percent of any profit Marseille make from a future sale of Greenwood.
His move to Ligue 1 caused much polarisation and protests from fans, with Marseille mayor Benoit Payan even warning against the move, calling Greenwood ‘a disgrace’.
Still, hundreds of supporters gathered to greet Greenwood when he landed in France on Wednesday night, with both #GreenwoodNotWelcome and #GreenwoodWelcome trending on X.
After making his debut for Marseille, the attacker stressed that he has put the past behind him and is looking forward to the future at Marseille.
He told La Provence: ‘Of course I am aware of this debate and I understand the question. I do not want to enter into controversy. I already had the opportunity to speak out on this subject last year.
Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan publicly opposed Greenwood’s decision, calling him “a disgrace”
Greenwood scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 36 games on loan at Getafe last season
‘I’m looking to the future now and I’m only concentrating on Olympique Marseille.’
Greenwood could play his first game in England in more than two years this summer as part of Marseille’s pre-season build-up.
On August 3, Marseille travel to Valley Parade in their hometown of Bradford to take on Sunderland in the penultimate match.
Greenwood made 129 appearances for United in total, scoring 35 goals. His last game was in the Premier League against West Ham on 22 January 2022.