Manchester United’s clever hidden Mason Greenwood transfer clause

Manchester United’s decision to add a sell-on clause to Mason Greenwood’s deal with Marseille looks to have been a smart move after the winger’s start to life in France.

In just three Ligue 1 appearances, Greenwood has been consistently among the goals and notched his tally to five for the season already with a brace in the victory over Toulouse on Saturday. The 22-year-old was sold for £26.5m by United in the summer after the decision was made by Ineos to part ways with the forward.

They came to this outcome after the one-cap England international was arrested in January 2022 and was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault later that year. He denied any wrongdoing and saw the charges dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023.

United conducted their own investigation and chose to loan Greenwood to Getafe last season. While in Spain, he scored ten goals and bagged six assists across all competitions.

After returning to United, Greenwood met with representatives at Carrington where the final decision was made to part ways on a permanent basis. In the negotiation process with Marseille, Ineos were thought to be keen on adding a significant sell-on clause.

This sell-on clause is valued between 40 and 50 per cent. Should Marseille choose to sell Greenwood in the future, it is likely they will make a profit from the sale if his form continues.

Before joining the French team, Barcelona and Juventus were among the clubs thought to be keen on buying him.