Man Utd close in on millions from Mason Greenwood clause | Football | Sport

Manchester United could be in line for a significant financial boost from Marseille striker Mason Greenwood, with the French club facing the prospect of being ‘kicked out of Europe.’ L’Equipe report that expulsion from the Europa League is a genuine possibility owing to the club’s precarious financial position, with French football’s financial watchdog potentially set to impose a wage cap on Les Olympiens.

Greenwood has emerged as a prime transfer target for Fenerbahce’s two presidential candidates, with the former Reds striker having endured a turbulent few months at the Ligue 1 outfit. Marseille’s newly appointed sporting director, Gregory Lorenzi, has indicated the club are open to offers, while BBC Sport reports that both Aziz Yildirim and Hakan Safi, who are competing for the Turkish club’s presidency, are eager to secure Greenwood’s signature this summer.

An announcement regarding the presidential candidates is expected on Sunday. It is understood that personal terms would not present any obstacle for the former United forward, who has been working to rebuild his career since departing Old Trafford.

Greenwood was charged with attempted rape and assault in 2023 before those charges were eventually dropped due to “the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light.” United conducted their own internal investigation before offloading Greenwood to the Ligue 1 outfit in 2024 for £26.6m, securing a substantial sell-on clause with the French club.

The 24-year-old has netted 48 goals in 81 outings for Marseille and concluded last season as joint-second top scorer, behind Rennes’ Esteban Lepaul.

Greenwood has also been touted for a switch to Serie A outfit AS Roma in recent days, and it appears increasingly likely he’ll depart Marseille this summer. The forward will no doubt be all the more eager to leave should the French side be kicked out of the Europa League next season.

Marseille have posted net losses of €157 million (£136m) across the past three seasons and face genuine jeopardy of sanctions unless they rectify their financial position. UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body will scrutinise their circumstances on Tuesday, with potential sanctions looming.

Speaking to L’Equipe, Lorenzi said: “He [Greenwood] is one of the players that we are really thinking about [with regard to] their future. If an opportunity presents itself, naturally, we will think about it.

“But there is the club’s position [and] that of the player. It is also up to us to manage internally to find the best possible solution for all parties.”

Reports in France suggest a fee around £47.5 million will suffice to persuade Marseille to part with Greenwood, who has three years remaining on his existing deal. Fenerbahce finished as runners-up for the fifth consecutive year and will compete in Champions League football next season.

Further reports suggest the Turkish club are also targeting Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, former Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah and Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth.