Marseille have recently announced the signing of Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood after a deal worth £26.7 million ($35m) was finalized. The agreement reportedly includes add-ons and a significant sell-on clause. Greenwood, a one-time England international, has not featured for United since his suspension by the club in January 2022 following allegations of rape and assault.
The 22-year-old player faced serious charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behavior, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. However, these charges were eventually dropped due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and new evidence that emerged, leading to the conclusion that a conviction was no longer likely.
Despite Greenwood’s tumultuous past, Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has expressed his willingness to give the player a chance. De Zerbi, who joined Marseille after leaving Brighton, emphasized that he does not involve himself in the personal lives of his players and treats them all with respect. He acknowledged Greenwood’s talents on the field but highlighted that he would maintain a strong sense of discipline within the team.
The mayor of Marseille has also voiced concerns about the transfer, referring to the allegations against Greenwood as “unspeakable.” He indicated that he would intervene by contacting Marseille president Pablo Longoria to urge against signing the player. The player’s controversial history has sparked debates within the football community about the ethics of recruiting individuals with such problematic backgrounds.
Marseille is set to begin their 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign against Brest in mid-August. The signing of Greenwood has added an extra layer of intrigue to the team’s upcoming season, with fans and critics alike closely monitoring his performance both on and off the pitch. The player’s ability to redeem himself and make a positive impact at Marseille remains to be seen amidst the ongoing scrutiny.
The decision to sign Mason Greenwood has ignited controversy and divided opinions within the football world. While some advocate for giving the player a second chance, others question the morality of supporting individuals with such checkered pasts. Marseille’s gamble on Greenwood could either elevate the team to new heights or lead to further complications and controversies in the future. Only time will tell how this significant signing will unfold for both the player and the club.