Marseille have made headlines with the completion of the signing of Mason Greenwood from Manchester United. The Ligue 1 club confirmed the deal, which is reported to be worth a staggering £26.7 million ($35m), along with add-ons and a significant sell-on clause. This transfer has raised eyebrows due to the troubled history of the young forward.
Greenwood’s time at Manchester United came to an abrupt halt in January 2022 when he was suspended by the club after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. Greater Manchester Police revealed that there were social media images and videos posted by a woman detailing incidents of physical violence. While charges were initially brought against him, they were later dropped due to various reasons, including the withdrawal of key witnesses and new evidence coming to light.
Despite these legal troubles, Greenwood managed to secure a loan move to Getafe in LaLiga last season, where he impressed with eight goals and six assists. This stint away from the spotlight seemed to have revived his career and caught the attention of Marseille.
Marseille boss, Roberto De Zerbi, who is known for his man-management skills, has expressed his willingness to give Greenwood a chance at the club. De Zerbi stated that he does not pry into his players’ private lives but treats them like family. He emphasized that he would address any issues privately and not publicly shame his players.
The controversial transfer has evoked strong reactions, with the mayor of Marseille condemning the signing due to the serious allegations against Greenwood. He called the allegations “unspeakable” and urged the club’s president to reconsider the decision. However, the backlash has not deterred Marseille from finalizing the deal.
Marseille will kick off their 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign against Brest, with Greenwood expected to play a key role in the team’s ambitions for the season. The pressure will be on the young forward to prove his worth on the pitch and put his troubled past behind him as he embarks on a new chapter in his career.
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