While Mason Greenwood is in fine form with Olympique de Marseille, rumours of a return to Manchester United have emerged during this January transfer window. However, a comeback to England remains completely impossible.
After a long spell in the wilderness, Mason Greenwood is back to his best in a Marseille shirt. Since arriving at the club, the English forward has scored 42 goals and provided 11 assists. This season, he appears to have gone up a level with more consistent performances. According to Topskills Sport UK, Manchester United have made contact with Marseille to discuss a potential return for the prodigy to Old Trafford.
Red Devils retain buy-back clause
When Mason Greenwood signed for Marseille, Manchester United retained a portion of the player's rights. Marseille currently hold only 60%, and a clause could concern the French club's hierarchy.
Indeed, the English giants are believed to benefit from a priority buy-back clause, set at £41m (€48m). Should Marseille be worried? Not really, as the press is unanimous: despite his return to the spotlight from a sporting perspective, the United Kingdom still wants nothing to do with the 24-year-old, due to his legal history and accusations of domestic violence.
Recently, ESPN commented on Mason Greenwood's situation and insists that a Premier League return is impossible. His home country has not forgiven his alleged actions. This is also why he has never been recalled to the national team, despite impressive statistics with Marseille.
Thomas Tuchel appears to be adhering to English customs and accepts without complaint having to do without the forward, who is now eligible to represent Jamaica. The divorce is well and truly irreversible.
Atletico Madrid lurking
While this famous buy-back clause does exist, the probability of Manchester United activating it is virtually nil. Nevertheless, the Red Devils still retain a percentage of any future sale, which will eat into Marseille's potential profit, having signed him for £22m (€26m) excluding bonuses in 2024.
Atletico Madrid are reportedly very interested in signing Mason Greenwood, valued at £42.4m (€50m) on the transfer market. Marseille will attempt to maximise the value of their attacking talisman, even if the wealthy English clubs will not be participating in the bidding.
