Man Utd include controversial clause in Mason Greenwood transfer after selling striker to Marseille in £27m deal
MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly included a controversial clause in Mason Greenwood’s transfer to Marseille.
The forward, 22, left the Red Devils last week in a £27million deal, signing a contract until 2029.
Getafe, who took Greenwood on loan last year, are set to land 20 per cent of the fee, per The Telegraph.
Marseille are paying £20m up front with another £7m in add-ons.
Their report adds that United will be due 50 per cent of the profits from any future sale and have also included a buy-back clause.
It is the latter that could draw attention as it theoretically leaves the door open for the controversial footballer to return to Old Trafford.
Buy-back clauses are a common feature in transfers involving academy products and it is understood to be extremely unlikely that Greenwood will end up back at the club.
Last term was his first back on the pitch since being suspended by United in January 2022 following his charge of attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour towards a woman.
All criminal charges were eventually dropped in February 2023 after a key witness withdrew.
Greenwood has always insisted he is innocent.
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But this has not stopped his arrival in Marseille being met with anger from some supporters, who launched a campaign called #GreenwoodNotWelcome.
And the major of Marseille Benoit Payan also strongly criticised the transfer, saying the club would be “covered with shame” if he joined.
Greenwood spoke out on the fury last week, telling La Provence: “Obviously, I am aware of this debate and I understand the question. I do not wish to enter into any controversy.
“I already had the opportunity to express myself on this subject last year, it is now behind us.”
Greenwood, who welcomed a daughter to the world last year with girlfriend Harriet Robson, continued: “With my partner, we rebuilt ourselves together, as a couple, we have just spent a year in Madrid.
“We have been together since we were 15, 16-years-old, today we have a beautiful little girl who has just celebrated her first birthday.
“I am now looking towards the future and I am only focused on Olympique de Marseille and on our new life together in Marseille.”
Greenwood’s reintegration at United was considered but eventually axed after a backlash.
He then joined Getafe on loan, scoring eight LaLiga goals last year.
The ex-England star previously said: “I understand people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and people will think the worst.
“I was brought up to know violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong. I did not do the things I was accused of.
“However, I made mistakes in my relationship and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.”
Meanwhile, his new manager Roberto De Zerbi is ready to strongly defend the signing of Greenwood.
The Italian boss said: “He’s a champion, an international level player.
“I don’t know what happened, I’m not concentrating on private lives.
“When a player signs for the club, I consider him my child.
“Even if I can pull his ear in private, I will defend him publicly. My players are like my sons.”
