Manchester United will land 50 per cent of any future transfer fee as part of Mason Greenwood’s move to French club Marseille.

Both clubs have confirmed an initial £23.3million deal for Greenwood, who spent last season on loan at Spanish side Getafe. The forward, 22, last played for United two-and-a-half years ago before he was arrested and subsequently suspended by the club.

In February 2023, Greenwood had charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm – all of which he denied – dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. Following a six-month internal investigation and fierce backlash over his potential return, United decided that it was best for the one-time England international to continue his career away from Old Trafford.

His loan spell with Getafe was a success, registering 10 goals and six assists over 36 appearances, mostly coming from the right-hand side of midfield. Greenwood’s form piqued the interest of clubs across Europe but after keen interest from Lazio, it is French side Marseille who have won the race.

The total fee could rise to £26.7m if certain add-ons – relating to personal and team success – are activated. But United have also secured a deal which entitles them to 50 per cent of whatever fee Marseille receive should they sell Greenwood in the future.

Marseille have been criticised for moving for Greenwood, but boss Roberto De Zerbi recently expressed his admiration for the 22-year-old’s talents, saying in a press conference: “He is a champion, an international-level player. I don’t know his past, I don’t know exactly what happened. I don’t like to interfere in the private lives of players.

“The only thing I can say is that when a player signs for the club where I work, I consider him as my child. I protect him through thick and thin, even if I can pull his ear in private, I will defend him publicly. My players are like my sons.”

Roberto De Zerbi is keen to sign Mason Greenwood ( 
Image:
CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Marseille’s club president, Pablo Longoria, also defended the move, saying: “For a year-and-a-half we have put in place a social program among the strongest in Europe and it was a personal idea that Marseille would be invested in all the subjects where football has a place – in education, in women’s football, the work of the foundation.

“What is certain is that no matter which player comes to Marseille, he must share our values and the ones we want to have in common with society.

“At Marseille, there is no religion, no social class, we want Marseille to be a vector of social unity and for all players to share this vision. We want people with values and good people.”