Former Manchester United Star Mason Greenwood Set to Join MarseilleFormer Manchester United Star Mason Greenwood Set to Join Marseille Mason Greenwood, 22, is poised to sign a contract with Ligue 1 club Marseille for a fee of €30 million ($33 million) on Thursday. Greenwood’s potential arrival in the French coastal city has sparked mixed reactions, particularly given the rape and assault allegations against him that were dropped in February 2023. Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan has expressed his opposition to the proposed move, citing the seriousness of the allegations against the English forward. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Greenwood’s footballing abilities remain undeniable. Prior to his suspension in January 2022, he was considered a rising star at Manchester United, where he scored 35 goals in 129 appearances. Last season, Greenwood played on loan for Spanish side Getafe, where he netted 10 goals in 36 matches. The signing of Greenwood is intended to fill the void left by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has joined Saudi club Al-Qadsiah. The Gabonese striker scored 30 goals for Marseille last season, despite the team’s lackluster eighth-place finish in Ligue 1. Aubameyang’s departure also coincides with the arrival of Nacho, the former Real Madrid captain and recent European Championship winner with Spain, at Al-Qadsiah. Marseille issued a statement thanking Aubameyang for his contributions, highlighting his “undeniable talent.” The move to Marseille will be Greenwood’s first permanent transfer since his suspension from United. It remains to be seen how the controversy surrounding him will impact his reception at the club and in the city of Marseille.
Mason Greenwood (R) is reportedly set to sign for Ligue 1 club Marseille, in a move that has not been universally welcomed (Thomas COEX)
Controversial English forward Mason Greenwood is set to sign for Ligue 1 club Marseille on Thursday for 30 million euros ($33 million) to fill the void left by the arrival of experienced Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Interest in Greenwood, 22, has not been universally welcomed in the port city since charges against him, including rape and assault, were dropped in February 2023.
Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan is the driving force behind the unrest over a possible move for the Manchester United player to the club.
Greenwood had been suspended by United since January 2022 over the allegations, but prosecutors dropped the charges last year after key witnesses recanted and new evidence came to light.
Last season he played on loan for Spanish club Getafe, scoring 10 goals in 36 games.
Greenwood was tipped for stardom at United after rising through the youth ranks at Old Trafford, eventually scoring 35 goals in 129 appearances for the club.
The 35-year-old Aubameyang will join forces with Nacho, the former Real Madrid captain and winner of the European Championship with Spain last weekend, at the Saudi club Al-Qadsiah.
“Protect your nets, the blind panther is here,” Al-Qadsiah announced, referring to the nickname of the former Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal striker.
Marseille praised their now former striker “whose talent was clearly evident last season”.
Aubameyang scored 30 goals in all competitions for Marseille last season after joining from Chelsea, but Marseille still finished no higher than eighth in Ligue 1.
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