Mason Greenwood set to sign for Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille - as city's mayor demands deal is scrapped
Mason Greenwood is expected to join French team Marseille, causing frustration for the mayor of the city who is demanding the deal to be canceled.
Greenwood, 22, has been absent from Manchester United's lineup since January 2022, following an incident in which he was taken into custody and later accused of attempted rape, physical assault causing bodily harm, and controlling behavior.
Last year, the Crown Prosecution Service declared that all accusations against him involving the same woman were dismissed because crucial witnesses stopped cooperating.
According to Sky Sports News, the player is nearing a deal with Olympique Marseille for a fee of 31.6m euros (£26.7m). This news has sparked backlash from fans of the Ligue 1 club and the city's mayor, Benoit Payan.
Greenwood, who played for Getafe in Spain last season on loan, has been allowed by Manchester United to undergo a medical examination and negotiate contract details with Marseille.
Reports indicate that Marseille's manager Roberto De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton, mentioned, "I am unaware of Greenwood's background."
I'm not sure about the details of what happened. Honestly, I prefer not to get involved in the personal lives of players. I have no comment on the matter.
I treat every player who joins our club like they are my own. It doesn't matter who they are, I will always protect them no matter what challenges come their way.
De Zerbi is a winner.
The Italian player, who played at Brighton for two years, mentioned that Greenwood has not been signed yet, so there's no need to discuss it. However, he did mention that Greenwood is a top-level player and a champion at the international level.
Fans on social media are expressing their dissatisfaction with the deal by using the hashtag #GreenwoodNotWelcome.
The mayor of Marseille, Mr. Payan, said on French radio station RMC: "I don't want our club to be tarnished. I don't think he belongs on this team."
Greenwood was informed that he had to depart from United
He mentioned that he planned to request Marseille president Pablo Longoria to cancel the agreement.
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According to reports, Greenwood had a brief discussion with top United executives on Monday and was informed that he must depart the club.
The forward netted 22 goals while playing in 83 matches for United, and scored eight times in his 33 appearances for Getafe.
