Mason Greenwood’s transfer from Manchester United close to being finalised later today | OneFootball

Mason Greenwood (22) arrived in Marseille yesterday evening with the Manchester United forward close to completing the transfer away from his formative club. The forward was greeted by an expectant crowd who welcomed the player with flares and chants.

There had been some doubts over how Greenwood would be received. The Marseille mayor had pushed back against Olympique de Marseille’s decision to pursue the Englishman, calling on the club to try and dissuade them from the transfer. While a section of the fanbase had created a social media campaign under the hashtag #GreenwoodNotWelcome.

The Manchester United youth product had been charged in October 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. These charges were dropped in 2023 after the withdrawal of key witnesses and the emergence of new evidence meant there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”. The player has denied all allegations.

According to L’Équipe, Greenwood should undertake his medical imminently where he will sign a five-year contract with the club. The signing had been strongly pursued by the Marseille hierarchy and had support from the new manager Roberto De Zerbi who is thought to believe the player “totally” suited to his playing style.

His arrival creates a certain complication with L’Équipe reporting that Greenwood will take one of the four non-EU places in the squad, and with Amir Murillo and Luis Henrique already present in the team, there will only be one extra place for a non-EU player. This means Marseille will have to think carefully before signing a player to the remaining space.

GFFN | Nick Hartland