Mason Greenwood has made a permanent move to Marseille, ending his time as a Manchester United player.
The 22-year-old, who spent last year on loan at Getafe, arrived in France on Wednesday night and was greeted at the airport by a crowd of Marseille fans.
An initial fee of around £27million has been agreed, with it reported that United also have a sizeable sell-on fee included in the deal.
Greenwood has signed a five-year contract, and Marseille will hope he can help fill the void left by the summer departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker is expected to join Saudi side Al Qadsiah.
📂 Mercato_2425
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) July 18, 2024
👤 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 🔟
📸 Les Goudes
🗓️ 18/07/24
🔵⚪️ #GreenwoodEstOlympien pic.twitter.com/8ntkEMFuOH
Greenwood was suspended by United on January 30, 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.
He faced charges including attempted rape and assault, but the Crown Prosecution Service announced in February last year that the case had been discontinued.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had said in February this year that the club would take a decision on Greenwood's future in the summer, and "justify it one way or the other".
A short statement from United confirmed the transfer, which delivers on the club's prior commitment that the one-cap England international would continue his career away from Old Trafford.
"Mason Greenwood has left Manchester United and joined French club Olympique de Marseille on a permanent transfer," a club statement read.
"The 22-year-old English forward, who spent last season on loan at Getafe in Spain, made 129 appearances and scored 35 goals for United since making his debut in 2019.
"We wish Mason all the best in his future career."
Benoit Payan, the mayor of Marseille, has vocally opposed the decision to sign the forward from United. "I do not want my club to be covered in shame,” Payan said. “I believe he cannot have a place in this team."
Marseille are now managed by former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, and the Italian has insisted he will “defend” Greenwood after the move.
“He's a champion, an international level player,” De Zerbi said.
“I don't know what happened, I'm not concentrating on private lives. When a player signs for the club, I consider him my child. Even if I can pull his ear in private, I will defend him publicly. My players are like my sons."
