Manchester United’s messy divorce from Mason Greenwood is about to pay another dividend. The forward, who left Old Trafford in 2024 after being banished following his well-documented legal troubles, is reportedly close to leaving Marseille for Roma. And United stands to collect a hefty chunk of the fee.
According to Corriere dello Sport, talks between Roma and Marseille have reached what they’re calling an “advanced stage.” Greenwood has already told Roma he’s ready to move to the Italian capital. Now it’s just about the money.
Marseille wants €55 million total — €50 million up front and another €5 million in performance-based add-ons. Roma, predictably, is trying to lower that guaranteed figure and pump up the bonus portion instead. But here’s where it gets interesting for United fans: the Red Devils reportedly have a 40 percent sell-on clause baked into Greenwood’s original transfer to Marseille. So if Roma pays the full asking price, that’s roughly €20 million heading north to Manchester.
Not bad for a player who hasn’t worn a United shirt in years and will never wear one again.
Greenwood’s red-hot form in France
The 24-year-old Englishman has been quietly rebuilding his career in Ligue 1. He made the league’s Team of the Season last year after putting up serious numbers and helping Marseille qualify for the Europa League. That production has drawn interest from multiple clubs across Europe, including some in England — but nobody has pulled the trigger on bringing him back to the Premier League. The off-field baggage is still too heavy for most clubs to carry.
Roma, though, has never been shy about taking on controversial figures. The club’s sporting director, Florent Ghisolfi, has a history of signing players other teams won’t touch. And with Roma looking to climb back into Serie A’s top four and make noise in Europe, they’re betting Greenwood’s talent outweighs the risk.
Corriere dello Sport reports that a deal could be finalized within days. Both sides want a resolution before preseason starts, and Greenwood is already said to have agreed personal terms. It’s just about haggling over that upfront fee now.
What this means for United and INEOS
Back in Manchester, the INEOS regime is working its first full transfer window with a budget that’s tighter than they’d like. Years of bad spending — think Antony, Sancho, Maguire contracts that aged like milk — have left the club with less wiggle room than the size of the brand would suggest. That €20 million injection from a Greenwood sale would be real money for a club trying to add a proven midfielder like Ederson and maybe a marquee name or two before August.
United fans have already seen Ederson’s signing practically confirmed. But Michael Carrick — or whoever ends up as the permanent manager next season — is going to need reinforcements if United wants to start the new campaign strong. Every euro from Marseille helps.
Greenwood’s future, meanwhile, belongs to Italy. Roma gets a goal-scorer with something to prove. Marseille gets a payday. And United gets a chunk of cash with zero PR damage attached. Sometimes the ugly divorce works out for everyone.
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