Manchester United could be set to receive a mega transfer windfall as Mason Greenwood tipped for a £78 million move from Marseille this summer.
Since taking over the footballing activities at Manchester United, a key staple of Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s teams transfer strategy has been implementing buy back or sell on clauses on outgoing players.
In the short term this has not brought in much for United but with the sell on clauses being predominately placed on younger Carrington Academy graduates such as Zidane Iqbal and Hannibal Mejbri. These clauses could see an influx in cash as the players start to make their next moves.
Further, United currently have buy options in the loans of Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa for £40 million, and around £8.3 million in Tyrell Malacia’s loan at PSV Eindhoven.
With United likely having to work with strict PSR restrictions during the summer, the possible activation of a valuable sell on clause would be a massive boost for the club especially with the quantity of players that Rúben Amorim will require.
Saudi interest in Greenwood transfer
After leaving the club on a permanent move last Summer worth £26.7 million, Mason Greenwood has attracted interest following a successful season with Marseille.
So far this season, Greenwood has managed 20 goal involvement in 31 appearances. According to Fichajes, “Arab clubs such as Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and even Al-Nassr, are willing to do everything possible to sign him” this summer.
The Saudi Pro League clubs are willing to pay around £78 million for the forward, which would be more than double Marseille’s record sale of Michy Batshuayi.
However, the fee to be paid to United for the sell-on clause and Greenwood’s form has given Marseille pause when considering the offer, with Ratcliffe’s side reportedly set to receive around 50% of any fee Marseille may agree for Greenwood.
Marseilles reluctant to sell Greenwood
Despite rumours earlier in the season that Greenwood may leave Marseille after being publicly criticised and dropped by manager Roberto De Zerbi, it now seems it is the clubs preference to keep him.
After being dropped for two games following De Zerbi’s comments Greenwood has started all of the last three playing at least 85 minutes in all of them. Despite only scoring one goal in those appearances it would appear the former United player has found himself back in his managers favour.
Additionally, Marseille are reluctant to accept the Saudi bids as they would only keep £39 million of it. This would only provide Marseille with £16.5 million in profit, with Fichajes also reporting that the club are “unwilling to let one of its most valuable players get away” from the club.
If the offer is indeed the figure reported, Marseille may yet consider it. Even keeping 50% of the transfer fee would be a club-record sale, and it is unlikely that a higher bid will be made, given Greenwood’s turbulent past.
From a United perspective, the board will certainly be hoping this deal becomes a reality, as the £39 million would go a long way toward rebuilding the squad.
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